Making hay while the sun shines

Posted by ESC on April 27, 2005

In Reply to: Making hay while the sun shines posted by Nick Haverland on April 27, 2005

: Can anyone explain the origin of the phrase:- "Making hay while the sun shines"?

You can't "make hay" when it is raining. Farmers please correct me on the details of haymaking. Grass has to be cut and left to dry out in the sun. I'm thinking that a) you can't cut wet grass and b)if you bail the dried-out grass when it's raining it will get all rotten. I was raised on a farm but didn't pay any attention.

• Making hay while the sun shines ESC 27/April/05
  • Making hay while the sun shines ESC 28/April/05