strike while the iron is hot

动词 v.
中文释义

英文释义

动词 v.
  1. 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. literally
  2. To act on an opportunity promptly while favorable conditions exist; to avoid waiting. idiomatic
    — We should strike while the iron is hot and order some immediately, before they change the offer.

词形变化

strikes while the iron is hot present,singular,third-person striking while the iron is hot participle,present struck while the iron is hot participle,past struck while the iron is hot past

词源

The adage originates from the common craft of blacksmithing. It appears in Chaucer's The Tale of Melibee, "right so as whil that iren is hoot men sholden smyte". (Harvard)
It gained additional meaning when used as a motto by Joseph Paisley - a blacksmith at Gretna Green who married eloping couples at his anvil. (History in the Margins)
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