有备无患

有备无患:

Literally means:

where there is precaution, there is no danger; one stitch in time saves nine

Actually means:

备 means preparation or readiness; 患 means disaster or danger.

This phrase means making preparation in advance or taking precautions so as to avert danger or peril. It also means that, with all the precautions taken, one can handle an emergent or unexpected situation with ease.

备，准备；患，灾祸。

有备无患，指事前做好准备，就可以避免祸患。也指有了准备，一旦碰到意外事情，便可应付自如。