What does the idiom "make hay while the sun shines" mean?
The expression make hay while the sun shines is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the make hay while the sun shines idiom.
Meaning of "make hay while the sun shines"
Meaning
The proverb ‘make hay while the sun shines’ is an idiom which is used to advise people to take advantage of a situation and act quickly when an opportunity presents itself. It can also be used to warn people not to waste time when they are presented with an opportunity. The imagery used in the proverb reflects the idea that hay, a type of dried grass which is used for livestock, must be dried and prepared in a certain amount of time or else it will be wasted.
Etymology
The phrase ‘make hay while the sun shines’ is thought to have originated in the 15th century, most likely from the English proverb ‘when the sun shineth, make hay.’ However, it is possible that the phrase could have originated from an even older source. In the 16th century, the phrase was used to refer to money-making, as evidenced in a collection of proverb by John Heywood.
The phrase has been used in popular culture since the 18th century. For example, a play by Richard Brome, titled ‘The Northern Lass’, contains a character who speaks the line ‘Make hay while the sun shines; sowing and reaping go together.’ This quotation is thought to be one of the earliest examples of the phrase being used in print.
Usage
The phrase ‘make hay while the sun shines’ is most commonly used to advise or encourage someone to take advantage of an opportunity. It is usually used in a general sense, and not necessarily in a financial context. For example, someone might use the phrase to advise a young person to make the most of their education before they enter the job market.
The phrase can also be used more literally, such as when someone is advising someone else to take action quickly and not let an opportunity pass them by. For example, a person might use the phrase to advise a friend to take a job offer before it is no longer available.
Example Sentences
- “You have to make hay while the sun shines if you want to be successful.”
- “My mother always told me to make
The universal role of idioms
"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.
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