English

Verb

strike while the iron is hot

1. (literally metallurgy) 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.
2. (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!

Synonyms

• make hay while the sun shines
• take time by the forelock

Translations

Proverb

strike while the iron is hot

1. Take advantage of opportunity.

References

• Gregory Y. Titelman, Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings, 1996, ISBN 0-679-44554-4, p. 309.