# make a killing

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-a-killing
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To win or earn a large amount of money.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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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.