The Dutch proverb “Als het kalf verdronken is, dempt men de put” translates to “After the calf is drowned, they close the well.” This saying encapsulates the idea that people often take action only after a problem has already occurred, rather than preventing it beforehand. In other words, it criticizes the tendency to react to a crisis after the damage has been done, highlighting the importance of foresight and preventive measures.

Meaning of the Proverb

The proverb conveys a message about human behavior, emphasizing how people often neglect potential problems until they become actual disasters. The imagery of a drowned calf represents a tragedy that could have been avoided if precautions had been taken in time. Only after the loss is realized—after the calf drowns in the well—do people take action to prevent the same mistake in the future, often too late to save what’s been lost.

It’s a cautionary reminder to think ahead, plan wisely, and act before disaster strikes, rather than reacting once the damage has already been done. The underlying message is about the importance of proactivity over reactivity.

Using the Proverb in Conversation

This proverb is often used when someone points out that a solution to a problem is being implemented after the negative consequences have already occurred. It can apply to various situations, from personal life to politics or business, whenever hindsight reveals that preventive measures could have avoided the issue.

Example 1:

• Person A: “I just installed security cameras at the office after the break-in last week.”
• Person B: “Well, als het kalf verdronken is, dempt men de put. You should’ve installed them sooner to prevent the break-in.”

In this context, Person B is pointing out that installing the cameras only after the break-in has occurred is like closing the well after the calf has already drowned. The preventive measure should have been taken earlier to avoid the problem.

Example 2:

• Person A: “The city is finally fixing the flooding issue after all the damage to homes last year.”
• Person B: “Typical, als het kalf verdronken is, dempt men de put. They wait until people suffer to do something about it.”

Here, the proverb is used to criticize the delayed response of the city in addressing a flooding issue. The repairs are being made only after significant damage has already occurred.

Origin and Possible Origins

The origin of this proverb is rooted in the rural, agricultural traditions of the Netherlands, where livestock like calves were integral to farm life. Wells, often used for water supply, could become hazardous if not properly covered or maintained, and accidents involving animals falling into wells were likely not uncommon in the past. The proverb likely originated as a literal observation about the need to take precautions before such accidents occurred.

Over time, this literal meaning evolved into a figurative one, applicable to any situation where preventative action is neglected until it’s too late. The proverb draws on the imagery of the rural past but serves as a timeless reminder about the consequences of inaction and the tendency to be wise only after the fact.

Conclusion

“Als het kalf verdronken is, dempt men de put” is a powerful reminder that waiting until after a problem occurs to take action is often too late. The proverb encourages proactive thinking and planning ahead to avoid unnecessary loss or disaster. Whether in daily life, business, or government, the lesson is clear: it’s better to prevent problems than to try to fix them after the damage is done. This age-old Dutch wisdom continues to resonate in modern times, serving as a call for foresight and responsibility.