battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud
The English phrase "strike while the iron is hot" is translated into French as battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud.
This idiom is used in French to advise taking immediate advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity before it disappears.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the common idiomatic expression Il faut battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud, the verb battre is used in its infinitive form.
Did you know?
- The French word for iron, fer, shares the same Latin root ferrum as the chemical symbol for iron, 'Fe'.
- While the English version uses 'strike', the French phrase uses battre, which also describes the act of keeping a beat in music.
- The verb battre is used for a wide variety of rhythmic or forceful actions, such as beating a carpet or winning a game against an opponent.
Examples in context
- Il faut battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud.Strike while the iron is hot.This sentence is useful for showing how to use battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud in a complete thought.Tatoeba #8629 by LowMemory, translation #240718 by CM
- C'est le moment de proposer ton projet, il faut battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud.It is time to propose your project, you must strike while the iron is hot.
- L'offre est excellente, autant battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud.The offer is excellent, we might as well strike while the iron is hot.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing a business opportunity over coffee.
- HugoLe client est très intéressé par notre idée.The client is very interested in our idea.
- ChloéAlors, il faut battre le fer tant qu'il est chaud et signer le contrat.So, we must strike while the iron is hot and sign the contract.
- HugoTu as raison, je vais l'appeler immédiatement.You are right, I will call him immediately.
- ChloéBonne chance, Hugo !Good luck, Hugo!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries battre, chaud, est, fer, le, tant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
