strike it rich: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘strike it rich’ mean?
The idiom "strike it rich" means to become very wealthy or successful, usually by luck or sudden success. It implies a significant financial or career breakthrough that leads to a highly prosperous outcome.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take by storm" means to conquer or overcome something quickly and easily, typically by using force, enthusiasm, or popularity.
The idiom "stroke of work" refers to a sudden and unexpected burst of creativity or inspiration that results in a successful outcome when working on a task or project.
The idiom "stroke of luck" refers to an unexpected event or situation that brings good fortune or success to someone.
The idiom "stroke of business" refers to a sudden and successful transaction or business deal.
The idiom "stroke of business" is a relatively uncommon phrase in the English language. It does not have an extensive history or widespread usage, which makes it challenging to find an abundance of information about its etymology or origin. However, based on the available sources, here are the facts that can be established about the idiom:
The idiom "strike while the iron is hot" means to take advantage of a favorable situation or opportunity promptly, as it may not last long.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" means to take advantage of someone's vulnerability or weakness to further harm them or make their situation worse.
The idiom "strike someone when they are down" is a figurative expression used to describe the act of taking advantage or attacking someone who is already in a vulnerable or weakened state.
The idiom "strike one's flag" means to surrender or admit defeat, often used in the context of a confrontation or competition.
First, let's talk about the idiom "strike one's flag" and its origins in naval terminology. In naval traditions, ships would raise their flags to show their presence and intentions. The flag, also known as the ensign, represented the ship's identity, allegiance, and power.
The idiom "strike oil" means to unexpectedly find success or make a valuable discovery, often referring to financial gain or achieving a breakthrough.
The idiom "strike oil" has its roots in the American oil industry in the mid-19th century during the oil rushes in Pennsylvania. It is commonly used to describe a sudden and significant discovery or success, often in terms of financial gain.
The idiom "strike it lucky" means to suddenly have unexpected success or good fortune.
Hidden Origins
The idiom "strike it lucky" is a related expression to "strike it rich" that conveys a similar idea of unexpected success or good fortune. While "strike it rich" specifically refers to financial success, "strike it lucky" can apply to any fortunate outcome or stroke of luck.
When someone "strikes it lucky," it means they have experienced a fortunate event or outcome that brings them unexpected benefits or success. This can happen in various areas of life, not just in terms of money. For example, someone might "strike it lucky" by finding the perfect job or meeting the love of their life.
While the phrase "strike it lucky" may not be as commonly used as "strike it rich," it serves as a reminder that success and good fortune can come in different forms, not just in the accumulation of wealth.
Another related idiom is "hit it big." This phrase conveys the idea of achieving significant success or achieving a major breakthrough in one's endeavors. It is often used when describing someone who has achieved a high level of recognition, fame, or financial success.
Like "strike it rich," "hit it big" implies a sudden and dramatic change in one's circumstances. It suggests that someone has made a big impact or achieved something impressive that sets them apart from others.
For example, a musician who has a hit song on the radio and gains widespread popularity could be said to have "hit it big." Similarly, an entrepreneur who creates a groundbreaking product and achieves immense financial success could also be described as hitting it big.
"Hit it big" and "strike it rich" share a common theme of achieving significant success in a sudden and dramatic manner. While "strike it rich" focuses primarily on financial success, "hit it big" encompasses a broader range of achievements and can apply to various areas of life.
Another related idiom is "strike oil," which is often used to describe a situation in which someone unexpectedly discovers or gains access to a valuable resource or opportunity.
The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the early days of the oil industry, when striking oil was seen as a stroke of luck that could lead to immense wealth and prosperity. When someone "strikes oil," it means they have come across a valuable and potentially life-changing opportunity.
In a broader sense, "striking oil" can be used metaphorically to describe any situation in which someone unexpectedly finds themselves in a favorable or advantageous position. For example, a writer who receives a lucrative book deal could be said to have "struck oil" in their career.
Like "strike it rich" and "hit it big," "strike oil" conveys the idea of a sudden and unexpected change in fortune. It suggests that someone has stumbled upon a valuable resource or opportunity that has the potential to bring them great success or benefit.
The idiom "strike it rich" represents the idea of achieving sudden financial success or wealth. It originated during the California Gold Rush and has since evolved to encompass a wider range of contexts beyond gold mining. The related idioms "strike it lucky," "hit it big," and "strike oil" convey similar concepts of unexpected success and good fortune in various areas of life. These idioms highlight the allure and fascination with stories of individuals who have achieved great success or stumbled upon valuable opportunities.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "strike it rich" can be used in a sentence:
- After years of hard work, John finally struck it rich when his tech startup was bought by a major corporation.
- When they won the lottery, the Smiths struck it rich and were able to buy their dream house.
- Some people believe that by investing in cryptocurrencies, they have a chance to strike it rich overnight.
More "Wealth" idioms
