# hit pay dirt

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/hit-pay-dirt
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To strike it rich; to get lucky or have a big break.

## Examples

- He finally hit pay dirt with his new business idea.
- After searching through hundreds of old files, the researcher hit pay dirt when she found the missing document.
- The struggling author hit pay dirt when his latest novel became an unexpected international bestseller, securing his financial future.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.