strike while the iron is hot
English
Verb
![](../I/m/Red_hot_iron_is_forged_with_hammer_and_anvil.jpg)
red hot iron
to strike while the iron is hot
- (metallurgy, blacksmithing, literally) To strike a hot piece of metal, especially iron, with a mallet or other tool before it cools, while it is still hot enough to be shaped.
- (idiomatic) To act on an opportunity promptly while favorable conditions exist; to avoid waiting.
- We should strike while the iron is hot and order some immediately, before they change the offer.
Usage notes
- When expressed in the imperative mood, this term is a well-known saying or proverb:
- Strike while the iron is hot!
Translations
act on an opportunity promptly
|
|
See also
References
- Gregory Y. Titelman, Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings, 1996, →ISBN, p. 309.
This article is issued from
Wiktionary.
The text is licensed under Creative
Commons - Attribution - Sharealike.
Additional terms may apply for the media files.