make hay

USAGE SUMMARY

"make hay" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used as an idiom meaning to make the most of an opportunity or advantage, often while conditions are favorable. For example, "With mortgage rates at such an all-time low, now is the time to make hay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Investors should make hay.

The New York Times

It may be time to make hay.

The Economist

Can I make Hay before the sun shines?

The Guardian - Books

They should make hay while the sun isn't shining.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Typically spies make hay while the sun shines.

The Guardian - Opinion

The right wing will still make hay of it.

The Guardian - Opinion

A decent opposition would make hay with it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ed Miliband was already preparing to make hay.

The Guardian

How one envies racehorses – shortish years of labour, then out to make hay at stud.

Independent

Wheat, barley, and oats rotted in the fields, and it was too wet to make hay.

The New Yorker

Leading politicians promise to make hay over a snowballing corruption scandal at Petrobras.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "make hay" when you want to encourage proactive behavior in taking advantage of current, favorable conditions, rather than passively waiting for future opportunities. For example, "The market is booming, now is the time to "make hay"."

Common error

Avoid using "make hay" in contexts that literally refer to farming or agriculture unless the idiomatic meaning is also clearly intended. It's more commonly understood as a metaphor for seizing opportunities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make hay" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a directive to seize current opportunities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, exemplified by numerous instances where it conveys the urgency of capitalizing on favorable conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make hay" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound idiom that encourages seizing opportunities while conditions are favorable. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news and media. While its origins are agricultural, its application is broadly metaphorical, urging proactive action. Consider using alternatives like "capitalize on" or "seize the day" to add variety to your writing. Remember that it is best used when the context emphasizes the need to act swiftly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make the most of

Stresses maximizing the positive aspects of a situation.

seize the day

Emphasizes taking immediate action and not delaying opportunities.

strike while the iron is hot

Suggests acting decisively when conditions are optimal.

capitalize on

Focuses on leveraging a specific advantage or resource.

benefit from

Simply states receiving an advantage from a situation.

take advantage of

Highlights benefiting from a situation, sometimes with a connotation of opportunism.

profit from

Focuses on gaining a benefit or advantage.

cash in on

Implies profiting financially from an opportunity.

exploit an opportunity

Focuses on using an opportunity for personal gain, often with a slightly negative connotation.

leverage resources

Highlights utilizing available resources to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

What does the idiom "make hay" mean?

The idiom "make hay" means to take advantage of an opportunity while it lasts. It's derived from the agricultural practice of cutting and drying grass to make hay during sunny weather.

How can I use "make hay" in a sentence?

You can use "make hay" in a sentence to encourage seizing an opportunity. For example, "The company's stock is rising rapidly; now is the time to "make hay" and sell some shares."

What's a modern alternative to the idiom "make hay"?

A modern alternative to "make hay" is to "capitalize on" an opportunity. Both phrases convey the idea of taking advantage of a favorable situation.

Is it correct to say "make hay while the sun shines"?

Yes, "make hay while the sun shines" is a complete and commonly used version of the idiom. It emphasizes the importance of acting quickly while conditions are favorable, reminding us that good opportunities may not last.