Definition: To take advantage of favorable conditions; to act decisively at the most opportune moment.
Synonyms:
- Seize the day
- Make hay while the sun shines
- Carpe Diem
- Act now
Antonyms:
- Hesitate
- Miss the boat
- Procrastinate
- Wait and see
Related Terms/Expressions:
- “Beat the iron while it is hot”
- “Carpe Diem” (Latin for ‘Seize the Day’)
- “Make hay while the sun shines”
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” —Don Marquis
- “Why wait for the iron to be hot if you don’t have a hammer?” —April Winchell
Proverbs:
- “He who hesitates is lost.”
- “Time and tide wait for no man.”
In Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Book: “Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
- Song: “Live Like You Were Dying” by Tim McGraw
- Poetry: “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell
- Movie: “Dead Poets Society”: Encourages the philosophy of seizing the day, “Carpe Diem.”
Quizzes
### Which of these is similar to 'striking while the iron is hot'?
- [x] Make hay while the sun shines
- [ ] Let sleeping dogs lie
- [ ] Cry over spilled milk
- [ ] Beat around the bush
> **Explanation:** "Make hay while the sun shines" inspires prompt action, similar to striking while the iron is hot. The other phrases suggest avoidance or hesitation.
### True or False: 'Seize the day' is an alternative way of saying ‘Strike while the iron is hot’.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! 'Seize the day' is a phrase often used to encourage people to act immediately and take advantage of the current moment, just like 'strike while the iron is hot'.
### Which historical figure emphasized the importance of acting in the moment?
- [ ] Julius Caesar
- [ ] Napoleon Bonaparte
- [x] Benjamin Franklin
- [ ] Genghis Khan
> **Explanation:** Benjamin Franklin is famous for sayings emphasizing prompt action and opportunity, e.g., "You may delay, but time will not."
Inspirational, Thought-Provoking Farewell:
Remember, dear reader, life rewards the bold and the decisive. So next time you find a glowing opportunity, channel your inner blacksmith and strike its iron with all your might. Until next time—forge ahead!
— Thatcher Brightwords
