ENGLISH
REFERENCE

kill the goose that lays the golden eggs

idiom

To seek short-term gain at the sacrifice of long-term profit.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a wild goose never laid a tame egg

    Most things are inherited and predetermined.

  2. 02

    cook someone's goose

    To spoil one's plans or hope of success.

  3. 03

    dress to kill

    To dress up so as to impress others (especially of the opposite sex).

  4. 04

    dressed to kill

    Dressed in a very fashionable style.

  5. 05

    eggs in moonshine

    A fanciful notion; an unrealistic or ludicrous concept.

  6. 06

    golden age

    A period of happiness, peace, prosperity, and great progress.

  7. 07

    golden goose

    Something that generates much profit or gives great advantages.

  8. 08

    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.

© 2026 English Reference