"Take time by the forelock" nghĩa là gì?

Photo courtesy Kate Brady.

'Take time by the forelock' có từ forelock là tóc mái trước trán, bờm trước của ngựa -> giống như nếu thời gian được hình dung có forelock thì ta sẽ tóm lấy khi nó đến, chứ không phải khi nó rời đi -> cụm từ này nghĩa là hành động dứt khoát, không do dự, không bỏ lỡ cơ hội (to act decisively; to accept an opportunity without hesitation).

Ví dụ
The Philadelphians are taking time by the forelock, and have already made out a programme for their part of the inaugurating ceremonies in March.

Both Mr. Darnton and Mr. Borneman seem to be surprised by the way in which the East Germans ultimately seize time by the forelock, boot out the old slippery mob of leaders and embrace West Germany.

It may be thought heartless to allude (ám chỉ, nói bóng gió) to the fact, but the 1st of May, -- the day most dreaded of the 366 in the leap-year calendar, -- is upon us. To-day families who have not appeased (nhân nhượng, nhượng bộ) landlords (chủ nhà) by submitting to the threatened addition to their rent, must take up their beds, carpets, sofas, and chairs, and travel to new abiding places. The clear sky yesterday tempted many to take time by the forelock, and cartloads of furniture were to be seen traversing the City in every direction.

Phạm Hạnh

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