make hay while the sun shines

make hay while the sun shines

To take advantage of favorable conditions; to make the most of an opportunity when it is available. We finally have the full group assembled, so let's make hay while the sun shines and get this thing done. The skiing conditions won't be this good for another several months, so let's make hay while the sun shines.
See also: hay, make, shine, sun, while
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Make hay while the sun shines.

Prov. If you have an opportunity to do something, do it before the opportunity expires. Jane: While my husband's out of town, I'm going to watch all the movies he wouldn't take me to see. Jane: Why not? Make hay while the sun shines.
See also: hay, make, shine, sun, while
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

make hay while the sun shines

Take advantage of favorable circumstances, as in Car sales have finally improved so we're making hay while the sun shines. This expression alludes to optimum dry weather for cutting grass. [Early 1500s]
See also: hay, make, shine, sun, while
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

make hay while the sun shines

If you make hay while the sun shines, you take advantage of a good situation which is not likely to last. With house prices at an all-time high, both property developers are making hay while the sun shines. You've got to make hay while the sun shines — and it doesn't shine long in a sporting life. Note: You can also just say that someone makes hay. The New Zealand media made hay with the issue.
See also: hay, make, shine, sun, while
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

make hay while the ˈsun shines

(saying) make the best use of opportunities and favourable conditions while they last: Opportunities for starting your own business will never be better, so make hay while the sun shines and go and see your bank manager today.
See also: hay, make, shine, sun, while
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

make hay while the sun shines

Take advantage of any good opportunity. This adage, dating from the early sixteenth century, alludes to the need for dry conditions in order to cut grass. R. C. Trench, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was quite specific about it (On the Lessons in Proverbs, 1852): “Make hay while the sun shines is truly English, and could have had its birth only under such variable skies as ours.”
See also: hay, make, shine, sun, while
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • make hay while the sun is shining
  • a window of opportunity
  • good seed makes a good crop
  • the benefit of the doubt
  • benefit of the doubt
  • save
  • save (one's) face
  • save face
  • save someone's face
  • go while the going is good
References in periodicals archive
And Neil's research has certainly confirmed the old adage of make hay while the sun shines, which has become part of the English language.
Landscape treasure with history of toil; Environment Editor Tony Henderson on the heyday of a landscape gem which is inching its way back. my country
Hot Weld's 14-1 success came under ideal conditions and Murphy is now keen to make hay while the sun shines.
Gold Cup next for Hot shot
'We were able to make hay while the sun shines,' he said.
Woolworth feels the high street heat
What is the old saying, 'make hay while the sun shines', and for once the sun has shined on us as farmers with this news.
Fuel price freeze was perfect end to show week
But dealers should make hay while the sun shines, because Johnathan Brown, Car Editor at Glass's, predicts that the motoring market as a whole is unlikely to see similar levels of growth over the coming year.
Motoring: Best buys are aged three
AFTER a soggy spring and summer Penistone Show chiefs are hoping to make hay while the sun shines.
The last show of summer