strike while the iron is hot: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘strike while the iron is hot’ mean?
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" means to take advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity promptly, as it may not last long.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "while we're young" means to do something quickly or without delay, often with a sense of urgency or impatience.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerability or weakness to further harm them or make their situation worse.
The idiom "strike oil" means to unexpectedly find success or make a valuable discovery, often referring to financial gain or achieving a breakthrough.
The idiom "strike it rich" means to become very wealthy or successful, usually by luck or sudden success. It implies a significant financial or career breakthrough that leads to a highly prosperous outcome.
The idiom "strike it lucky" means to suddenly have unexpected success or good fortune.
The idiom "strike a blow" means to make a forceful or significant action or effort to achieve a desired result or to fight against something perceived as negative or unjust.
The idiom "steal a march" means to gain an advantage over someone by doing something before they have the chance to act.
The idiom "seize the day" means to take advantage of the present moment and make the most of opportunities before they pass. It encourages living life to the fullest and not wasting time or delaying actions or decisions.
The idiom "not a minute too soon" means that something happens or arrives at the exact time needed, often just before it would have been too late or after a long wait.
Seize the Moment.
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" has been a widely used expression in the English language, conveying the importance of taking advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself. The idiom's origins can be traced back to the craft of blacksmithing, where heating iron in a forge and shaping it required striking the metal while it was malleable and hot.
The phrase itself is believed to have originated in the late 14th century. In that era, blacksmiths would heat the iron until it reached the optimal temperature for forging, which would typically turn it red or white-hot. At this point, the blacksmith would take their hammer and strike the iron, transforming it into the desired shape before it cooled and hardened again.
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" has since extended beyond the realm of blacksmithing and has come to represent the notion of seizing an opportunity promptly. It emphasizes the importance of acting swiftly and decisively when circumstances are favorable. By striking the iron while it is hot, one can take full advantage of a situation and maximize their chances of success.
The popularity and longevity of this idiom can be attributed to its metaphorical strength and clarity. The visual imagery of blacksmithing resonates with individuals, even in the modern age, providing a tangible representation of the concept of timely action. This idiom has remained relevant over the centuries, often being employed in various contexts to emphasize the importance of seizing the moment.
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" shares a similar sentiment with the idiom "make hay while the sun shines." Just as the blacksmith must strike the iron while it is hot to shape it, the farmer must make hay while the sun shines to take advantage of good weather for drying crops. Both idioms highlight the importance of seizing favorable conditions to achieve the best outcome.
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" also relates to the idiom "strike someone when they are down." In this context, striking someone when they are down means taking advantage of someone's vulnerability or weakness for personal gain. Similarly, when an opportunity presents itself, it is essential to strike while the iron is hot to maximize personal gain or success. Both idioms emphasize the importance of capitalizing on advantageous situations for one's benefit.
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" has another related idiom: "strike it lucky." This idiom refers to unexpectedly encountering good luck or fortune. When the opportunity arises, one must strike while the iron is hot to capitalize on their stroke of luck. By acting swiftly and decisively, individuals increase their chances of turning their luck into a favorable outcome.
The concept of striking while the iron is hot extends beyond specific industries or circumstances. It applies to various aspects of life, such as career opportunities, personal relationships, and decision-making. When an opportunity arises, it is essential to act promptly and decisively to seize the moment and make the most of the favorable conditions.
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" originates from the craft of blacksmithing, where taking advantage of the hot, malleable iron was crucial for shaping it. Over time, the idiom has evolved into a metaphorical expression urging individuals to seize opportunities promptly and capitalize on favorable conditions. It holds timeless significance, resonating with people in different contexts and emphasizing the importance of timely action. The idioms "make hay while the sun shines," "strike someone when they are down," and "strike it lucky" further reinforce the importance of seizing favorable circumstances to achieve the best outcome. In a world where opportunities are fleeting, striking while the iron is hot remains a valuable lesson in making the most of every chance that comes our way.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "strike while the iron is hot" can be used in a sentence:
- She decided to strike while the iron was hot and apply for the job immediately after the interview.
- The company saw an opportunity to expand their business and decided to strike while the iron was hot by launching a new product.
- The coach instructed the team to strike while the iron was hot and maintain their aggressive playstyle to secure a victory.
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