英和和英

発音

動詞

strike while the iron is hot (三人称単数 現在形 strikes while the iron is hot, 現在分詞 striking while the iron is hot, 過去形および過去分詞形 struck while the iron is hot)

1. (metallurgy, blacksmithing, literally) To strike a hot piece of metal, especially iron, with a mallet or other tool before it cools, while it is still hot enough to be shaped.
2. (idiomatic) To act on an opportunity promptly while favorable conditions exist; to avoid waiting.
   • c. 1620s, Elizabeth Cary [misattributed to Henry Cary], The History Of the most unfortunate Prince King Edward II. […] , London: A.G. and F. P., published 1680, page 41:

     The Gap thus stopp'd, with her Army she marcheth to the Cage that kept those Birds, whose Wings she would be clipping. She knew if she struck not while the Iron was hot, the heat of a popular Faction would quickly sink and lessen.

   We should strike while the iron is hot and order some immediately, before they change the offer.

使用する際の注意点

• When expressed in the imperative mood, this term is a well-known saying or proverb:

  Strike while the iron is hot!

同意語

• make hay while the sun shines
• take time by the forelock

参考

• grasp the nettle
• time and tide wait for no man

参照

• Gregory Y. Titelman, Random House Dictionary of Popular Proverbs and Sayings, 1996, →ISBN, p. 309.