Would you like to tell someone that they should seize an opportunity while there is still time, or would like to point out that timing is crucial for something to happen? 'Strike while the iron is hot' is a common phrase in the English language that can be used to say this. This phrase unpacks the meaning and origin of the saying.
Meaning
The phrase 'strike while the iron is hot' is a common saying in the English language.
'Strike while the iron is hot' is a figurative phrase used to mean that someone should consider time crucial to something, or act while there is still time and opportunity to do so.
The phrase can be used in reference to any situation where time is implied as important to its success. Further context for the phrase 'strike while the iron is hot' is generally stated or implied by the rest of the conversation or by the speaker.
Sometimes the phrase has humorous implications, though this depends on the situation that is being referred to by the speaker.
Sometimes the phrase is said as 'strike the hammer while the iron is hot' instead.
The phrase 'bend the tree while it is still young' is another common figurative expression in English which implies the same meaning.
Someone can also use the phrase 'act now' to imply the same as 'strike whlie the iron is hot' and the term is often used in advertising.
The phrase is not used in the negative form, and 'strike while the iron is cold' would be a meaningless expression.
Example Usage
“If you want to go out with someone, then the best thing you can do for the situation is just to ask them out and get it over with. You've got to strike while the iron is hot, or you might miss your chance.”
“Go out and order five cheeseburgers before the deal runs out. It's still happy hour over at the burger place, and you have to strike while the iron is hot.”
“If you don't strike while the iron is hot, then you're going to miss a great opportunity to own the house when someone else buys it instead.”
“Strike while the iron is hot, or you're going to miss the five million dollars that you could have made on the stock market at the right time. You don't want to find out that the company went huge in five years.”
Origin
According to most online language resources, the phrase 'strike whlie the iron is hot' is likely to have originated from the blacksmithing industry.
Use of the phrase 'strike while the iron is hot' was already documented by the 1800s, and the phrase might have come into use a few decades before this time.
For a blacksmith at work, the job has to be done literally 'while the iron is hot' or their techniques would not be effective: this is given as the literal origin of the figurative phrase.
The saying is still popular as a figurative saying in the 21st century, with its meaning still unchanged since the earlier presumed usages of the phrase.
Phrases Similar to Strike While the Iron is Hot
- Act now
- Bend the tree while it is still young
Phrases Opposite to Strike While the Iron is Hot
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Strike while the iron is hot
- Strike the hammer while the iron is hot
Ways People May Say Strike While the Iron is Hot Incorrectly
The phrase 'strike while the iron is hot' can be misunderstood by anyone who does not know prior use of the phrase, or anyone who does not understand the figurative (as opposed to literal) meaning of the sentence.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Strike While the Iron is Hot
There are several correct ways to use the phrase 'strike while the iron is hot'.
The saying is used as a way to say that someone should act now (or before the opportunity to act has disappeared).
The phrase can be used as 'strike [the hammer] while the iron is hot', though 'whilst' is also an acceptable form of the saying.