while it's still light; before dark
Literal meaning: take action while there is still daylight, often implying safety or practicality.
Let's go down the mountain while it's still light.
while the going is good; before things get worse
Figurative extension: seize the opportunity before conditions deteriorate; often used as a proverb-like warning.
While the economy is good, we should consider investing before things get worse.
Similar proverbial urgency, but 善は急げ focuses on doing good deeds quickly, while 足元の明るいうちに emphasizes acting before a window of opportunity closes.
Standard kanji spelling using 足元 and 明るい.
Variant using 足下; less common but still seen.
Mixed kana-kanji spelling; natural in informal writing.
Uses 内 instead of うち; slightly more formal or literary.
Combination of 足下 and 内; uncommon.
Mixed spelling with 内; rare.
A set phrase literally meaning 'while the area around one's feet is bright,' i.e., while there is still daylight. The figurative sense developed naturally from the idea of acting before darkness (or trouble) arrives.