2007-12-27 10:17:53 · 35 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It means to take advantage of an opportunity. A blacksmith puts a piece of metal in the fire to heat it up, then he has a certain amount of time to hammer on it until it cools off a bit, then he has to heat it again. So 'while the iron is hot' means 'Do it right now, because you have an opportunity that won't last forever'.
2007-12-27 10:20:39 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
The saying is actually "Strike while the iron is hot". It means to do what you do at the right time. The metaphor is taken from a blacksmith working a piece of iron, say a horse-shoe, into shape. It must be struck while the iron is red-hot or it cannot be moulded into shape. So, if someone says to you, "Strike while the iron is hot" they are saying grab the opportunity before it's gone!
2007-12-27 10:24:20 · answer #2 · answered by persaunna 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's Strike While The Iron Is Hot!
2007-12-27 10:20:00 · answer #3 · answered by Delete 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You mean strike when the iron is hot. It means while the metal is still red hot it is mallable. Leave it too late and the iron hardens and cannot be shaped. Imagine a blacksmith shaping an iron bar he will need it to be hot to beat it in to shape with a lump hammer.
So striking while the iron is hot is a saying to do something now and while there is time.
2007-12-27 10:21:20 · answer #4 · answered by Smiling JW™ 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
they say "STRIKE while the iron is hot" not stroke! and that referes to blacksmiths molding iron in teh old days. If you strike the iron while it is still hot, you can make a difference in it and shape it. but it doesnt stay hot long. so you have to hit it fast to make a difference. Hence the saying "strike while the iron is hot", in other words, act fast if you want to make a difference as soon as you see an opportunity.
2007-12-27 10:22:57 · answer #5 · answered by gazinga 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, it is "Strike while the iron is hot." I'll give yu an example: You get a good grade on a test. Simultaneously, you want an ipod. Your dad is really pleased with your grade, so you decide to ask him for an ipod...I hope I helped. Also, it refers to when a blacksmith strikes iron. Iron is most flexible when it is hot. So, ask for something at the appropriate time may be a relevant definition for you.
2007-12-27 10:22:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Strike while the iron is hot!
It is a reference to the smithies.
When a swordsmith was forging a sword, he would take the iron and heat it until it glowed, then bang it into shape. It was this striking of the iron that had to happen while it was still glowing and molten.
Once the iron cooled it was useless, and had to be resmelted before it could be used again.
It means act when the time is right, and you have the oportunity, before the window of opportunity is closed to you.
2007-12-27 10:27:59 · answer #7 · answered by 1Up 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the correct term is strike* while the iron is hot, and this is because this is the point where the material is most malleable and thus easiest to shape. This means you should strike (or take advantage of an opportunity) while you have the chance because soon the "iron will cool" and it will be far more difficult to achieve goals you once wanted to achieve. In this saying hot iron is symbolic of opportunity in life.
2007-12-27 10:22:15 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The statement is "Strike while the iron is hot". It has to do with being a blacksmith and hitting the hot iron to forge it into the shape you need because once the iron has cooled down it cannot be shaped.
2007-12-27 10:21:20 · answer #9 · answered by 9_ladydi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Can't speak for "Stroke" but strike when iron is hot comes from blacksmithing. sounds like there's probably a website for stroking irons.
2007-12-27 10:20:44 · answer #10 · answered by wigginsray 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋