虽然出了错，但现在亡羊补牢还来得及。
Although a mistake was made, it is still not too late to fix things properly.
Recovering from an error
Daily Chengyu
亡羊补牢
Fix a problem before more damage is done.
Literal Meaning: The sheep are lost; mend the pen.
亡lost
羊sheep
补to mend
牢pen, enclosure
Today's Situation
You lost one customer because of slow support, so you finally fix your response workflow before losing ten more.
Perfect Chengyu: 亡羊补牢
Actual Meaning
Use this when something has already gone wrong, but it is still worth fixing the underlying problem to prevent bigger losses. It is practical and encouraging rather than purely negative — the focus is on acting in time.
Emotional tonePractical, constructive
Usage feelNeutral in tone
FormalityNeutral
English Equivalent
- Better late than never.
- Close the barn door before more sheep escape.
- Fix it while you still can.
- A stitch in time saves nine.
English equivalents capture the general idea, but they may not fit every context exactly.
Modern Usage Example
We missed the deadline once — let's 亡羊补牢 and set up a proper project tracker this week.
Chinese Example Sentences
发现漏洞后要马上亡羊补牢，不能拖延。
After finding a security hole, fix it immediately — don't delay.
Tech and risk management
Origin Story
A shepherd lost sheep because his pen had holes. His neighbor said the sheep were already gone, but he replied that repairing the pen would stop more sheep from escaping.
When Natives Use It
Good fit
- Work — fixing processes after a failure
- Business — improving systems after a loss
- Education — correcting study habits mid-semester
- Everyday conversation — encouraging practical fixes
Avoid
- When the damage is completely irreversible
- Blaming someone harshly right after a loss
Positive and widely used. Works well in advice, meetings, and essays. Less teasing than 画蛇添足 — this one sounds supportive when used thoughtfully.
- Common in speech
- Common in writing
- Sounds natural today
- Possible but uncommon in casual chat
- More common in writing or commentary
- Use with care — can sound critical
Similar and Opposite Chengyu
Daily Quiz
Which situation best matches 亡羊补牢?
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