Origin of Phrases - M
Making hay
Meaning: To be highly productive for a limited period of time when the opportunity is present.
Example: While in graduate school you may be living as a pauper, but when you get out with your new degree you will be making hay.
Origin: "Making Hay" is short for "Making hay while the sun shines". If you cut or harvest hay during inclement weather (e.g. rain) the hay becomes heavy and hard to rake and bail but even worse it will mold and become useless. You can only make hay while the sun shines.