When fortune smiles take the advantage.

The saying advises acting promptly when circumstances turn favorable. A lucky opening, helpful timing, or unexpected opportunity may not last, so hesitation can allow the advantage to disappear.

It presents success as partly dependent on chance, but not entirely passive. Good fortune creates an opening; judgment and decisive action are needed to use it well, and the opportunity should still be assessed rather than pursued recklessly.

Use it to encourage someone to seize a clearly favorable opportunity, such as an advantageous offer or timely opening, after considering it sensibly. It suits practical advice about acting while conditions are unusually helpful, rather than a claim that success is guaranteed.