Pronunciation: [ˈa͡ɪ͡ən ðə fˈa͡ɪ͡ə] (IPA) 
"Iron the fire" is a common English phrase that refers to stoking or tending to a fire in order to keep it burning. The spelling of the word "iron" is often mistaken for "urn," as they both end in "-rn." However, "iron" is spelled with the vowel sound /aɪ/ before the consonant cluster /r/ and the syllable stress falls on the first syllable. The correct pronunciation is /ˈaɪərn ðə ˈfaɪər/ or "eye-ern the fire."
"Iron in the fire" is a figurative expression that refers to the act of having multiple tasks, activities, or projects in progress or being pursued simultaneously. The phrase originates from blacksmithing, where multiple pieces of iron are typically heated in a forge to maintain a continuous workflow and save time. In a broader context, having "iron in the fire" implies that one is actively working on various endeavors concurrently in order to be productive or achieve multiple goals at once.
The phrase often connotes industriousness, as it reflects a proactive approach to utilizing one's time efficiently and maximizing productivity. It suggests that a person is driven, ambitious, and eager to accomplish multiple objectives simultaneously. It can apply to various areas of life, such as work, personal projects, or even personal development.
Having "iron in the fire" may also allude to the concept of maintaining options or diversifying one's efforts. By having multiple endeavors ongoing simultaneously, individuals can mitigate risk and increase the likelihood of achieving success in at least one area. It emphasizes the importance of multitasking, adaptability, and versatility in order to stay focused and make progress without being overwhelmed.
Overall, "iron in the fire" implies a state of actively pursuing various tasks or projects concurrently, driven by a desire for efficacy, productivity, and potentially maximized outcomes.
