# shake the pagoda tree

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shake-the-pagoda-tree
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To find a source of easy enrichment; to become absurdly rich in a short time period.

## Examples

- He hopes to shake the pagoda tree with his new business idea.
- Many young investors move to the city hoping to shake the pagoda tree, but few actually find such easy wealth.
- While some entrepreneurs spend their entire careers building steady value, others seem to shake the pagoda tree through sheer luck and timing.

## Origin

The pagoda was a gold coin used in the Madras Presidency until 1818.

---

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.