Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Strike while the iron is hot

To act at the right time

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "strike while the iron is hot" is to act at the right time.

The idiom is derived from the blacksmithing process, where a blacksmith strikes a piece of iron while it is still hot in order to shape it. If the iron is allowed to cool, it will be too hard to shape.

The idiom is used to advise people to take advantage of opportunities when they are available, and not to wait until it is too late. For example, you might say "If you want to get a promotion, you need to strike while the iron is hot and ask your boss for it now."

The other options are not as appropriate meanings for the idiom "strike while the iron is hot":

• To wait for someone: This is not the meaning of the idiom.
• To do something unimportant: This is not the meaning of the idiom.
• To cry all the time: This is not the meaning of the idiom.