TAKE TIME BY THE FORELOCK • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Take time by the forelock

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noun

Forelock n.

The lock of hair that grows from the forepart of the head.

(Mech.) A cotter or split pin, as in a slot in a bolt, to prevent retraction; a linchpin; a pin fastening the cap-square of a gun.

Forelock bolt, a bolt retained by a key, gib, or cotter passing through a slot.

Forelock hook (Rope Making), a winch or whirl by which a bunch of three yarns is twisted into a standard.

To take time by the forelock or To take occasion by the forelock, to make prompt use of anything; not to let slip an opportunity. "Time is painted with a lock before and bald behind, signifying thereby that we must take time by the forelock; for when it is once past, there is no recalling it." "On occasion's forelock watchful wait."

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Etymology of 'Take time by the forelock'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Take time by the forelock" Quotes from Famous Books

... determined me, on rising, to order Clayton to fell a suitable tree, and to prepare a saw-pit. The labour was of no consideration, and even if eventually the boat should not be wanted, no injury would arise, and it was better to take time by the forelock. Having marked a tree preparatory to leaving the camp, M'Leay and I started at an early hour on an excursion of deeper interest than any we had as yet undertaken; to examine the reeds, not only for the purpose of ascertaining their extent, if possible, ...

— Two Expeditions into the Interior of Southern Australia, Complete • Charles Sturt