The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs (529 page)

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STRIKE while the iron is hot

A proverb originally alluding to the blacksmith's art. Cf. Late 13th-cent. Fr.
len doit batre le fer tandis cum il est chauz
, one must strike the iron while it is hot.

c
1386
Tale of Melibee
l. 1035
Whil that iren is hoot, men sholden smyte.
1546
Dialogue of Proverbs
I
. iii. A4
And one good lesson to this purpose I pyke [pick] From the smiths forge, whan thyron is hote stryke.
1576
Petit Palace
181
I think it wisdome to strike while the iron is hot.
1682
Holy War
18
Finding .. the affections of the people warmly inclining to him, he, as thinking 'twas best striking while the iron is hot, made this .. speech.
1771
Humphry Clinker
III. 242
If so be as how his regard be the same, why stand shilly shally? Why not strike while the iron is hot, and speak to the 'squire without loss of time?
1848
Vanity Fair
xxi.
Let George cut in directly and win her … Strike while the iron's hot.
1974
Porterhouse Blue
xx.
‘It seems an inopportune moment,’ said the Senior Tutor doubtfully… ‘We must strike while the iron is hot,’ said the Dean.
1985
Shadow Kills
xi.
Just think about it quick, all we ask. It's very important we strike while the iron is hot.
1997
Washington Post
13 Nov. C21
It's good to strike while the iron is hot; it's even better to make it hot by striking.