Shirabe
泥棒 を 捕らえて 縄 を 綯う
English jmdict
1
expressions (phrasesGodan verb with 'u' ending proverb starting something in the eleventh hour;have not thy cloak to make when it begins to rain;don't lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen;braiding the rope only after the thief is caught
See also: 泥縄 (どろなわ), 泥縄式 (どろなわしき)
Other forms 泥棒を捕らえて縄をなう 【どろぼうをとらえてなわをなう】

綯うなう

Godan Transitive
English jmdict
1
Godan verb with 'u' endingtransitive verb word usually written using kana alone to twine (fibers to make rope);to twist
泥棒を見て縄をなう。
To braid the rope only after the thief is caught.