Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word strike while the iron is hot. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word strike while the iron is hot, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say strike while the iron is hot in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word strike while the iron is hot you have here. The definition of the word strike while the iron is hot will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofstrike while the iron is hot, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “When was it first used? It's common in many languages, did it originate in English or was it calqued into English from another language?”
We should strike while the iron is hot and order some immediately, before they change the offer.
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.
Usage notes
When expressed in the imperative mood, this term is a well-known saying or proverb:
