PhrasesHub

Strike while the iron is hot

    Definitions

      • Act quickly and take advantage of a favorable opportunity or situation
        Encouraging someone to seize the moment and make the most of a good or advantageous circumstance

      • Make the most of a limited window of opportunity
        Suggesting that time is of the essence and one should act promptly in order to achieve success or results

    Examples of Strike while the iron is hot

    • After submitting my job application, I received a call from the HR manager asking me to come for an interview. I quickly gathered my documents and headed to the office, knowing that I had to strike while the iron was hot.

      This idiom means that one should act quickly and decisively when an opportunity presents itself, as it may not last long. In this example, the job applicant recognized that the company's interest in him was high, and he didn't want to miss out on the opportunity by delaying his response.

    • The stock market had been volatile for weeks, but today it seemed to be on an upward trend. I knew that I had to strike while the iron was hot and invest my savings before the prices skyrocketed.

      This idiom can also be used in a financial context to mean that one should take advantage of a favorable market condition to make a profitable investment.

    • My friend had been trying to start her own business for years, but she never seemed to get it off the ground. One day, she met a potential investor who was interested in her idea. She knew that she had to strike while the iron was hot and pitch her business plan to the investor before she lost the opportunity.

      This idiom can also be used in a business context to mean that one should act quickly and decisively to seize an opportunity, especially when it is presented unexpectedly.

    • The team had been working on a project for months, and they had finally reached a breakthrough. The manager knew that they had to strike while the iron was hot and present their findings to the CEO before their competitors could copy their idea.

      This idiom can also be used in a professional context to mean that one should act quickly and decisively to capitalize on a significant achievement or breakthrough, as it may not last long.

    • My sister had been trying to lose weight for a long time, but she never seemed to make any progress. One day, she joined a gym and started working out regularly. She knew that she had to strike while the iron was hot and stick to her fitness routine, as she didn't want to waste her efforts.

      This idiom can also be used in a personal context to mean that one should act quickly and decisively to take advantage of a favorable circumstance, such as starting a new habit or making a positive change in one's life.


    Conclusion

    Overall, the idiom "strike while the iron is hot" is used to convey the idea of taking immediate action in order to make the most of a favorable situation or opportunity. It is often used as a motivational phrase, encouraging individuals to not hesitate or waste time when presented with a chance for success.

    This idiom can also be interpreted as a reminder of the importance of timing and the limited nature of opportunities. It stresses the idea that one must act quickly and decisively in order to achieve desired outcomes, as opportunities may not last forever.

    Origin of "Strike while the iron is hot"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 17th century, when blacksmithing was a common profession. In order to shape and mold iron into desired objects, blacksmiths would heat the iron in a forge until it was red hot and then strike it with a hammer to shape it. This process had to be done quickly, while the iron was still hot and malleable, otherwise it would cool and become difficult to shape.

    Over time, this phrase became a metaphor for taking advantage of opportunities in a timely manner. It is also believed that the phrase may have originated from a quote by the Roman philosopher Publilius Syrus, who said "Opportunity is like a bald-headed man, it does not stay long to be seized." This quote highlights the fleeting nature of opportunities and the need to act quickly in order to make the most of them.