expression
Proverb meaning one should act while conditions are favorable or while someone is still receptive. Often used as advice to seize the moment.
やる気があるなら、鉄は熱いうちに鍛えよだ。今すぐ始めよう。
If you're motivated, strike while the iron is hot. Let's start right now.
彼が興味を持っている今がチャンスだ。鉄は熱いうちに鍛えよと言うだろう。
Now is the chance while he's interested. As they say, strike while the iron is hot.
Similar meaning: 'do good deeds quickly' or 'strike while the iron is hot'. 善は急げ emphasizes acting promptly on good intentions, while 鉄は熱いうちに鍛えよ focuses on taking advantage of favorable timing.
A direct translation of the English proverb 'strike while the iron is hot', which itself comes from blacksmithing. The Japanese version uses the same metaphor of forging iron while it is still hot and malleable.