临时抱佛脚的英文：
[Literal Meaning]
temporary/embrace/Buddha/foot
to embrace Buddha's foot at the last moment

[解释]
到最后的时候才乞求佛的帮助。

[Explanation]
to make effort at the last moment

[例子]
每次考试你都临时抱佛脚，所以这次不及格不是偶然的。

[Example]
You made effort at the last moment in every exam and that you failed this time was not accidental.

[英文等价词]
to hit the books
swot up

Don't have thy cloak to make when it begins to rain
切莫临时抱佛脚

Neglect one’s prayers in times of peace, then embrace the Buddha’s feet in a crisis
平时不烧香临时抱佛脚

bone up for the exam:
临时突击，临时抱佛脚

He boned up before the exam.
他考前临时抱佛脚。

He ponied all night before the exam.
他考试前一晚借助译文临时抱佛脚。

"The recruitment efforts should start early, targeting various social strata and all walks of life."
招进新人，并非临时抱佛脚，而是在各阶层各行业中、精挑细选。