make a killing
To win or earn a large amount of money.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“They made a killing selling those old toys online.”
“He invested in the company early and made a killing when the stock price doubled.”
“By anticipating the market shift before his competitors, the entrepreneur made a killing and secured his company's future for the next decade.”
Originally US English. The expression was established in the American lexicon by the late 19th century, drawing upon the imagery of a successful hunt or a slaughter to describe the acquisition of a sudden, substantial profit.
- 01
absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
cannot make it
Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.
- 03
doctors make the worst patients
It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.
- 04
enough to make a cat laugh
Very outlandish or outrageous.
- 05
enough to make the angels weep
Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.
- 06
fine feathers make fine birds
Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.
- 07
have it made
To have accomplished all there is to do; to have no further work or difficulty.
- 08
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.
Last updated August 10, 2026