Close, lock, etc. the stable door after the horse has bolted

Pro Tip 1/3

Late Response

Used when actions are taken too late to be effective.

After the flood, they raised the bridge, like closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Pro Tip 2/3

Pointless Action

Highlights an action that cannot undo past harm.

He apologized after cheating, a classic case of closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.

Pro Tip 3/3

Irony

Often used to point out the irony of a futile gesture.

Adding more security after the theft felt like locking the stable door after the horse had bolted.