make hay while the sun shines
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- 1 make hay while the sun shines、seize the opportunity、act while conditions are favorable
This proverb means that when conditions are favorable, you should act quickly before the opportunity passes.
make hay while the sun shines、seize the opportunity、act while conditions are favorable
It uses the image of drawing water while the water level is high to mean taking advantage of a good opportunity while it lasts.
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ตอนนี้ลูกค้าเยอะ น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก tɔɔn níi lûuk kháa yə́ náam khʉ̂n hây rîip tàk There are lots of customers now. Let’s make the most of it while we can. ตอนนี้ลูกค้าเยอะ น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก details
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บริษัทกำลังรับสมัครคนเยอะ น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก รีบส่งใบสมัครเลย bɔɔrisàt kamlaŋ ráp samàk khon yə́ náam khʉ̂n hây rîip tàk rîip sòŋ bay samàk ləəy The company is hiring a lot of people. This is your chance, so send in your application now. บริษัทกำลังรับสมัครคนเยอะ น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก รีบส่งใบสมัครเลย details
Learning notes
Explanation
Literally, it means “when the water rises, hurry and scoop it up.” The image is that when water is easy to draw, you should not wait until it recedes. From this comes the meaning that good chances do not last forever, so you should act while the timing is favorable. It is a common proverb-like expression and can be used in everyday conversation as well as in business contexts.
Usage
Use it when encouraging someone to apply while jobs are available, buy during a sale, sell more while customer demand is high, or take a favorable business or investment opportunity before it disappears. A natural pattern is to state the current favorable situation first, then add น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก.
Caution
Avoid using it for profiting from someone else’s misfortune or a disaster, as it can sound opportunistic or insensitive. Learn it as a fixed proverb rather than as a word-by-word expression.
Differences from similar words
1 make hay while the sun shines synonyms
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ฉวยโอกาส means to take an opportunity, but it can sound negative, like taking advantage of someone or a situation. น้ำขึ้นให้รีบตัก is a proverb used as advice to act quickly while conditions are good.