strike while the iron is hot, to
strike while the iron is hot
To make most of an opportunity or favorable conditions while one has the chance to do so. This sounds like a pretty amazing deal they're offering. If I were you, I'd strike while the iron is hot. I deliberated too long before accepting the job offer, and now they've given it to someone else. I should have struck while the iron was hot.
See also: hot, iron, strike, while
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
Strike while the iron is hot.
Prov. When you have an opportunity to do something, do it before you lose your chance. This is the best time in the last ten years to buy a house. Strike while the iron is hot. Ask Lisa for a favor now, while she's in a good mood. Strike while the iron is hot.
See also: hot, iron, strike, while
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
strike while the iron is hot
Take advantage of favorable conditions, as in They just made a huge profit, so let's strike while the iron is hot and ask for some money . This adage alludes to the blacksmith's forge. [Late 1300s] Also see make hay while the sun shines.
See also: hot, iron, strike, while
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
strike while the iron is hot
If you strike while the iron is hot, you act quickly, while there is the best chance of succeeding at something. This is the week to get plans off the ground. It's time to strike while the iron is hot. In order to get the recognition, you have to strike while the iron is hot. Note: A blacksmith can only bend or work iron when it is hot.
See also: hot, iron, strike, while
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
strike while the iron is hot
make use of an opportunity immediately.Iron can only be hammered into shape at a blacksmith's forge while it is hot.
See also: hot, iron, strike, while
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
ˌstrike while the ˌiron is ˈhot
(saying) do something immediately because now is a particularly good time to do it: He seems in a good mood. Why don’t you strike while the iron is hot and ask him now?A blacksmith (= a person who makes things out of iron) must strike (= hit) the iron while it is hot enough to be bent into the shape required.See also: hot, iron, strike, while
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
strike while the iron is hot, to
Take advantage of favorable circumstances. This metaphor from the blacksmith’s forge dates back to ancient times and appears in the works of Chaucer, John Lyly, and numerous early English writers. Oliver Wendell Holmes turned it around a bit (A Rhymed Lesson, 1846) with his cautionary rhyme: “And with new notions—let me change the rule— Don’t strike the iron till it’s slightly cool.” See also the synonym make hay while the sun shines.
See also: iron, strike, while
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- strike while the iron is hot
- strike whilst the iron is hot
- don't that beat the Dutch!
- good seed makes a good crop
- would you believe (it)
- Would you believe!
- Would you believe?
- never heard of such a thing!
- (one) (has) never heard (of) such a thing
- strike back