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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

fix the roof while the sun is shining en · VERB

Etymology

From the notion that it is easier and more beneficial to fix a roof during dry rather than wet weather.

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, qualifier:proverbial) To deal with a problem or potential problem while conditions are favorable.
    • You state it well: we should fix the roof while the sun is shining, and expand our nuclear-electric generating capacity while interest rates are low 1986, The Economist - Volume 299 - Page 4:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
fixed the roof while the sun was shining Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
fixed the roof while the sun was shining Tense=Past lexicographic
fixing the roof while the sun is shining Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
fixes the roof while the sun is shining Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic