防患未然 nip in the bud
Explanation
指在事故或灾祸尚未发生之前就采取预防措施。
To take precautions to prevent accidents or disasters before they happen.
Origin Story
从前，有个村庄地势低洼，每逢大雨就洪水泛滥。一位智者来到村庄，建议村民修建水坝，预防水患。村民们觉得平时没下雨，没必要修建，智者便提醒他们防患于未然的重要性。几年后，一场大雨果然带来了特大洪水，但因为提前修建了水坝，村民们安然无恙。
Once upon a time, there was a village located in a low-lying area that was frequently flooded during heavy rains. A wise man visited the village and suggested that the villagers build a dam to prevent future floods. The villagers, however, felt that there was no need to build a dam since it wasn't raining at the time. The wise man then reminded them of the importance of being prepared for future problems. Several years later, a torrential downpour brought about a massive flood, but thanks to the dam that had been built in advance, the villagers were safe and sound.
Usage
形容在事情发生之前采取预防措施。
Describes taking preventive measures before something happens.
Examples
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我们应该防患于未然，避免类似事件再次发生。
women yinggai fanghuan yu weiran,bimian leisi shijian zai ci fasheng.
We should take precautions to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
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居安思危，防患于未然，才能确保长治久安。
ju'an si wei, fanghuan yu weiran,caineng quebao changzhijiu'an.
Only those who think of danger in peace can protect themselves in the long run.