straɪk waɪl ði ˈaɪərn ɪz hɒt
Work
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Hammering metal while it's heated
What does "strike while the iron is hot" mean?
- To act quickly when the opportunity arises
- To take advantage of a favorable situation
Examples
- Strike while the iron is hot—submit your application now.
- We should strike while the iron is hot and close the deal.
- The timing is perfect; strike while the iron is hot.
Origin
From blacksmithing—iron must be shaped while hot because it becomes hard when cool. Ancient proverb.
How to use it
Classic advice about timing. Implies urgency and opportunity.
Similar expressions
seize the moment
act now
take the opportunity
make hay
Opposites
hesitate
miss the boat
wait too long
Related idioms
- hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is true or important
- call it a day
To stop working for the day
- have one's hands full
To be very busy with something
- learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a job or activity
- it's not rocket science
It's not difficult to understand or do
- get your act together
To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "strike while the iron is hot" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.