English idiom

strike while the iron is hot

Register · Neutral 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

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

miss the boat

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

kick off

to begin an event, meeting, or project

pull the trigger

to finally make a decision and act on it

come into play

to start to have an effect or become relevant

follow suit

to do the same thing that another person or group has just done

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.

External links

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