Doing several things at once or having several projects in progress at one time.
The idiom comes from blacksmithing where a smith would heat several pieces of metal while working on one, put the one that cooled during work back in the hearth and pick up a heated piece and rotate, that way he would not loose time waiting for one piece to heat up but could continue working.
Currently, I have several irons in the fire.
Irons in the Fire was created on 1980-07-06.
"Irons in the fire" refers to the Old West practice of branding -- you kept the branding irons hot by sticking one end into the fire. If you have too many irons in the fire, you've got too many things going on at once.
An alternative explanation for the origin of 'irons in the fire' relates to the battlefield surgeon, from at least medieval times, who kept a fire going with a number of different cauterising irons in it at all times. The irons were used to cauterise wounds and stop people bleeding to death. A surgeon with many irons in the fire was prepared to treat any size or shape of wound.
Having other ( or many ) irons in the fire means having alternative plans of action. Usually said when one plan is threatened with failure or frustration.
Dog the Bounty Hunter - 2003 Irons in the Fire 3-26 was released on: USA: 10 October 2006
"There's Too Many Irons in the Fire" is a common expression that means having too many tasks or responsibilities at once. It is difficult to pinpoint an exact date or origin for this phrase as it has been used for many years in various contexts.
Traditionally, irons were made of iron. They were heated by a fire and then applied to clothes. Today, irons are usually made of other metals.
it means to be engaged in too many acticities.
"Irons in the Fire" is the favorite album of Teena Marie.
Fire
There are several types of irons available for ironing, including steam irons, which use steam to remove wrinkles; dry irons, which operate without steam and are typically lighter; and cordless irons, which offer greater mobility without the hassle of a cord. Additionally, there are specialty irons, such as vertical steamers for hanging garments and travel irons, which are compact and portable. Each type is designed to cater to different fabric needs and user preferences.