ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make a killing

idiom
Meaning

To win or earn a large amount of money.


Origin

disputed origin

Originally US English.

Examples
SIMPLE

They made a killing selling those old toys online.

CONTEXTUAL

He invested in the company early and made a killing when the stock price doubled.

COMPLEX

By anticipating the market shift before his competitors, the entrepreneur made a killing and secured his company's future for the next decade.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  2. 02

    doctors make the worst patients

    It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.

  3. 03

    enough to make a cat laugh

    Very outlandish or outrageous.

  4. 04

    enough to make the angels weep

    Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.

  5. 05

    fine feathers make fine birds

    Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.

  6. 06

    it takes all kinds to make a world

    Diversity is essential: the world would be incomplete if everyone were alike; an expression of surprise at a person or people's eccentricity.

  7. 07

    it takes two to make a quarrel

    It takes two or more people to cause a quarrel; one cannot blame an argument entirely on the other side.

  8. 08

    kiss and make up

    To settle one's differences and forgive.

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