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Strike while the iron is hot

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Strike while the iron is hot'?

To strike while the iron is hot is to act decisively and take an opportunity when it arises.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Strike while the iron is hot'?

This old proverb clearly alludes to the imagery of the blacksmith or farrier at his forge. If he delays in shaping the iron when it is hot a pliable the metal soon cools and hardens and the opportunity is lost.

The expression is recorded in Richard Edwards’, The excellent comedie of two the moste faithfullest freendes, Damon and Pithias, circa 1566

I haue plied the Haruest, and stroke when the Yron was hotte.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

See also: Carpe diem.

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Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

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