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wáng 亡 yáng 羊 bǔ 补 láo 牢

亡羊补牢 wáng yáng bǔ láo

better late than never; to mend the fold after a sheep is lost

Literally: lose sheep mend pen

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Origin

From the Zhanguo Ce: Zhuang Xin tells the King of Chu that it is not too late to mend the pen after losing a sheep, urging him to correct his mistakes.

How to use it

Predicate or standalone; positive, consoling. Often 亡羊补牢,为时不晚.

Example sentences

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  1. 你现在开始好好学习还不晚，亡羊补牢嘛。
    Nǐ xiànzài kāishǐ hǎohǎo xuéxí hái bù wǎn, wáng yáng bǔ láo ma.
    It's not too late to start studying properly now; better late than never.
    you now start properly study still not late, lose sheep mend pen (particle)
  2. 钱包丢了以后，他亡羊补牢，马上换了所有的密码。
    Qiánbāo diū le yǐhòu, tā wáng yáng bǔ láo, mǎshàng huàn le suǒyǒu de mìmǎ.
    After losing his wallet, he took steps to limit the damage and changed all his passwords right away.
    wallet lose (particle) after, he lose sheep mend pen, immediately change (particle) all (particle) password

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