ENGLISH
REFERENCE

strike while the iron is hot

idiom
Meaning

To act on an opportunity promptly while favorable conditions exist; to avoid waiting.


Origin

disputed origin

The adage originates from the common craft of blacksmithing. It appears in Chaucer's The Tale of Melibee, "right so as whil that iren is hoot men sholden smyte". (Harvard) It gained additional meaning when used as a motto by Joseph Paisley - a blacksmith at Gretna Green who married eloping couples at his anvil. (History in the Margins)

Examples
SIMPLE

The price is low, so strike while the iron is hot.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is hiring right now, so you should apply today and strike while the iron is hot.

COMPLEX

Recognizing that the market conditions were perfect for expansion, the CEO decided to strike while the iron is hot before his competitors could react.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad iron

    bad luck.

  2. 02

    baking hot

    Very hot.

  3. 03

    blow hot air

    To engage in empty or exaggerated talk that lacks substance, credibility, or truth; to bluster.

  4. 04

    blow hot and cold

    To behave inconsistently; to vacillate or to waver, as between extremes of opinion or emotion.

  5. 05

    boiling hot

    Extremely hot (having a high temperature: of an object, the weather, a living creature).

  6. 06

    come in hot

    To enter the scene of conflict quickly and aggressively.

  7. 07

    full of hot air

    Talking a lot, especially without saying anything of value or meaning.

  8. 08

    hissing hot

    Very hot.

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