నక్క పోయిన వెనక బొక్క కొట్టుకొన్నట్టు.

nakka poyina venaka bokka kottukonnattu.

Translation

After the jackal had departed, the hole lamented and wept. Great sorrow in a household.

Meaning

This proverb describes a situation where someone takes action or seeks a solution after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done. It is used to mock futile, late efforts that serve no purpose, similar to the English expression 'locking the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Related Phrases

Like hitting the burrow after the fox has gone.

This expression refers to taking action or seeking a remedy after it is already too late. It is used to describe futile efforts made after the opportunity has passed or the damage is already done, similar to the English idiom 'closing the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Striking and striking, but striking in the side.

This expression describes a situation where someone waits for a long time to act, or makes a great effort, only to make a critical mistake or perform the action at the wrong time/place. It is used to highlight a significant failure or a blunder after much anticipation or effort.

When honor has gone, why life ?

This expression emphasizes the supreme value of dignity and self-respect over physical life. It is used to convey that for a person of principles, living with disgrace or humiliation is worse than death.

Take away my good name, and take away my life. Either live or die wi' honour.

After buying, he won't stop eating it.

This expression is used to describe a situation where once a person has committed to or invested in something (or someone), they are bound to follow through or deal with the consequences. It highlights that certain actions create an inevitable sequence of events or responsibilities.

The jackal branded himself with spots like a tiger. Vulgar display. Apeing one's superiors.

This proverb is used to describe a person who foolishly tries to imitate someone superior or more capable than themselves, often resulting in self-harm or ridicule. It highlights the folly of blind imitation without having the inherent nature or strength of the person being copied.

Even if you go along with someone, do not walk behind them.

This proverb suggests that it is better to walk beside someone as an equal or companion rather than following them like a servant or subordinate. It emphasizes self-respect and warns against putting oneself in a position where one might be ignored or treated with less importance while traveling or working together.

After the fox escaped, he sat crying at the burrow.

This proverb describes a person who takes action or shows concern after the opportunity is long gone or the damage is already done. It is used to mock someone's useless efforts or mourning after a critical moment has passed.

The devils caught him in the place he went to hide in. One ill calls another. (Italian.)

This proverb is used to describe a situation where someone, while trying to escape or hide from a small problem or danger, ends up encountering a much bigger or more terrifying trouble. It is similar to the English expression 'out of the frying pan and into the fire.'

Like fighting with the ferry-man after getting over the river. The river past, the saint forgotten. (Spanish.)* The peril past, the saint mocked. (Italian.)

This proverb describes the behavior of ungrateful people who forget the help they received once their purpose is served. It is used to criticize someone who turns against their benefactor or helper as soon as they are out of danger or have achieved their goal.

Like a fox branding itself with stripes after seeing a tiger.

This proverb is used to describe someone who foolishly tries to imitate others who are naturally superior or more capable, often causing harm to themselves in the process. It highlights the vanity and folly of blind imitation without having the inherent strength or status of the person being mimicked.