strike while the iron is hot

Definitions

1. To strike a hot piece of metal, especially iron, with a mallet or other tool before it cools, while it is still hot enough to be shaped.
   literally
2. To act on an opportunity promptly while favorable conditions exist; to avoid waiting.
   idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“We should strike⟳ while the iron⟳ is hot and order⟳ some immediately, before they change⟳ the offer⟳.”

“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⟳.”

CEFR level