A proverb meaning 'it is better to take precautions before problems occur' — prevention is better than cure.
冬に備えて暖房器具の点検をするのは、転ばぬ先の杖だ。
Checking the heating equipment before winter is a precaution — an ounce of prevention.
大事な書類はバックアップを取っておくのが転ばぬ先の杖だ。
Backing up important documents is a good preventative measure.
旅行保険に入るのは、転ばぬ先の杖として賢明だ。
Getting travel insurance is a wise precaution.