Question

Strike while the Iron Is Hot to act at the most favorable time or moment to get the best results; to take advantage of favorable conditions

Accepted Answer

Emily's standing there all alone. Why not strike while the iron is hot and ask her to the dance? This metaphor goes back to ancient times. Geoffrey Chaucer, a poet of the 1300s, was one of many English authors who used it. Blacksmiths all know that iron is most workable when it is red hot. In order to form the right shape on the anvil, the blacksmith has to strike while the iron is hot. A related saying is "make hay while the sun shines" (see page 119).

Idiom	Strike while the Iron Is Hot
Example	Emily's standing there all alone. Why not strike while the iron is hot and ask her to the dance?
Meaning	to act at the most favorable time or moment to get the best results; to take advantage of favorable conditions
Origin	This metaphor goes back to ancient times. Geoffrey Chaucer, a poet of the 1300s, was one of many English authors who used it. Blacksmiths all know that iron is most workable when it is red hot. In order to form the right shape on the anvil, the blacksmith has to strike while the iron is hot. A related saying is "make hay while the sun shines" (see page 119).

Iron Strike Hot Favorable Emily's Standing Dance Act