fix the roof while the sun is shining
To deal with a problem or potential problem while conditions are favorable.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We should fix the roof while the sun is shining.”
“I save money every month to fix the roof while the sun is shining.”
“Smart homeowners fix the roof while the sun is shining by checking the pipes.”
“The company is profitable now, so we should fix the roof while the sun is shining and invest in new equipment.”
“You should update your resume and learn new skills now while you have a steady job to fix the roof while the sun is shining.”
“The athlete decided to fix the roof while the sun is shining by signing a long contract before his minor injury gets any worse.”
“Wise leaders recognize the importance of fixing the roof while the sun is shining, addressing structural weaknesses before the inevitable economic storm arrives.”
From the practical observation that repair work is more conveniently executed during dry weather than during rain. The expression draws on the functional advantage of maintaining a structure when the immediate environment is hospitable, rather than waiting for the onset of the storm.
- 01
burn the roof
To experience a great time enjoying and dancing to the music in a dancehall or nightclub.
- 02
catch the sun
To sunbathe.
- 03
currant bun
[Cockney slang]sun or The Sun newspaper
- 04
day in the sun
A time of glory or ascendancy.
- 05
fix someone's wagon
To cause injury, distress, or inconvenience to someone, especially as punishment or as a comeuppance.
- 06
fly too close to the sun
To be so ambitious that you overreach and bring about your own downfall.
- 07
get a fix
To obtain something necessary, especially a dose of an addictive drug or anything else compulsively sought after.
- 08
hit the roof
To be explosively angry; to lose one's temper.
Last updated August 10, 2026