gold in them thar hills
An opportunity for something to be profitable and/or beneficial.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He thinks there is gold in them thar hills with this new business idea.”
“You should check the attic; there might be gold in them thar hills.”
“The investors are excited about the new technology because they believe there is gold in them thar hills.”
“My grandfather spent years buying old comic books at garage sales because he was certain there was gold in them thar hills.”
“The marketing team is looking at social media trends to see if there is gold in them thar hills for our next campaign.”
“Despite the skepticism of his peers, the entrepreneur remained convinced that there was gold in them thar hills, provided he could secure the necessary funding to explore the untapped market.”
first recorded 19th c. disputed origin
Originally used in the phrase “there’s gold in them thar hills”, possibly a misquote of the phrase “there’s millions in it” (viz. the North Georgia mountains) uttered in Mark Twain's 1892 novel The American Claimant by Colonel Mulberry Sellers, a character thought to be based on Dahlonega Mint assayer M. F. Stephenson.
- 01
black gold
Raw petroleum; crude oil.
- 02
comedy gold
Something that is very funny or humorous.
- 03
cross of gold
A public policy which puts the interests of the rich ahead of those of the poor.
- 04
everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
- 05
go for the gold
To attempt to achieve the maximum result or reward in an endeavour.
- 06
gold mine
A very profitable economic venture.
- 07
head for the hills
To go to a safe place; to seek refuge; to flee.
- 08
heart of gold
A kind, compassionate, or caring attitude; kindheartedness; a person with those qualities.
Last updated August 10, 2026