Strike while the iron is hot

{
  "id": "MLC-T-IND-007291",
  "term": "Strike while the iron is hot",
  "field": "Industrial and trades",
  "definition": "To forge or shape a piece of metal by hammering it at the correct elevated temperature, before it cools and loses its malleability. Blacksmiths and metalworkers heat iron or steel in a forge until it reaches a plastic state, indicated by its color, allowing it to be worked with a hammer and anvil. If the metal cools below its working temperature, it becomes brittle and must be reheated to avoid cracking.",
  "synonyms": [
    "make hay while the sun shines",
    "take time by the forelock"
  ],
  "subject": "Metallurgy",
  "see_also": [
    "make hay while the sun shines"
  ],
  "translations": {
    "de": "Warmformen",
    "es": "forjar en caliente",
    "fr": "battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud"
  },
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/industrial/strike-while-the-iron-is-hot/"
}