ProverbWisdom
English origin1509
English origin1509Make hay while the sun shines.
Meaning: Seize opportunities during favorable conditions before circumstances change and make progress impossible.
Origin: Alexander Barclay's satire The Ship of Fools (1509) has an early form, and John Heywood's 1546 collection gives "When the sun shineth, make hay," adding: take time when time cometh, lest time steal away. Cut grass must dry before it can be stored, so farmers had to seize every run of fine weather. It means making the most of an opportunity while it lasts.
Explore another collection: Idioms
Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.
- voet bij stuk houden To stand firm and refuse to give in to pressure or threats.
- stoom afblazen To release pent-up anger, stress or energy.
- het heft in eigen handen nemen To take control of a situation or seize the initiative.
Keep exploring