strike while the iron is hot

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

to act quickly while the opportunity exists

Why this phrase?

A blacksmith must hammer iron while it is glowing; once it cools, it cannot be shaped — opportunity is pictured the same way.

Example

“Interest is peaking — we should strike while the iron is hot.”

Dictionary details

Component words

iron

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

iron out the kinks Neutral · CEFR B2

to fix the last small problems in a plan, process, or product

miss the boat Informal · CEFR B1

To lose a chance to do something by being too slow or late.

make hay while the sun shines Neutral · CEFR B2

to take advantage of favourable conditions while they last

better late than never Neutral · CEFR A2

Doing something after a delay is better than not doing it at all.

actions speak louder than words Neutral · CEFR B1

What you do matters more than what you say.

kick off Informal · CEFR B1

to begin an event, meeting, or project

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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