ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gold in them thar hills

idiom
Meaning

An opportunity for something to be profitable and/or beneficial.


Origin

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 novel The American Claimant (1892) by Colonel Mulberry Sellers, a character thought to be based on Dahlonega Mint assayer M. F. Stephenson.

Examples
SIMPLE

He thinks there is gold in them thar hills with this new business idea.

CONTEXTUAL

The investors are excited about the new technology because they believe there is gold in them thar hills.

COMPLEX

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.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    black gold

    Raw petroleum; crude oil.

  2. 02

    comedy gold

    Something that is very funny or humorous.

  3. 03

    cross of gold

    A public policy which puts the interests of the rich ahead of those of the poor.

  4. 04

    everything one touches turns to gold

    Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.

  5. 05

    go for the gold

    To attempt to achieve the maximum result or reward in an endeavour.

  6. 06

    gold mine

    A very profitable economic venture.

  7. 07

    head for the hills

    To go to a safe place; to seek refuge; to flee.

  8. 08

    heart of gold

    A kind, compassionate, or caring attitude; kindheartedness; a person with those qualities.

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