golden goose
Something that generates much profit or gives great advantages.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That small shop is the golden goose for the family business.”
“The company decided not to sell its most popular software because it was their golden goose.”
“By firing the talented lead developer, the management foolishly killed the golden goose that had sustained their market dominance for years.”
See kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
- 01
a wild goose never laid a tame egg
Most things are inherited and predetermined.
- 02
cook someone's goose
To spoil one's plans or hope of success.
- 03
golden age
A period of happiness, peace, prosperity, and great progress.
- 04
golden handcuffs
Any arrangement or agreement designed to provide extremely favorable benefits or pay, so as to discourage a participant from choosing to leave it, especially to retain a choice employee in a role that is unpleasant to them.
- 05
golden handshake
A generous severance payment, especially as an inducement to leave employment.
- 06
golden hello
A payment offered to an employee as an inducement to join, especially if currently working for a competitor.
- 07
golden mean
A position of balance between excess and deficiency.
- 08
golden opportunity
Ideal moment to do something.
Last updated August 10, 2026