make a killing

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase make a killing, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression make a killing used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "make a killing"

Meaning

The idiom 'make a killing' is used to describe a situation where somebody has achieved great success or made a significant amount of money quickly and easily. It is often used in the context of business or investments, but can also be applied to any situation where someone has made a large gain.

Etymology

The origin of this phrase is said to come from the fact that when a hunter is successful, they bring back a 'kill' in the form of a prey animal. Therefore, if someone were to 'make a killing' in financial or any other type of business venture, it would translate as having been successful in their endeavours.

Usage

This phrase is generally used to describe someone who has made a large, usually unexpected or quick gain of money. It can also be used to describe a situation where somebody has had success or made a profit in any kind of venture. It is often used to describe business success, such as when someone has made a large return on an investment. The phrase can also be used more generally to describe any kind of financial gain, such as when someone has won a large amount of money on a lottery.

Example Sentences

• He made a killing in the stock market and was able to retire early.
• The new app she developed has been a huge success - she's making a killing.
• The film became a cult classic and its producers are making a killing in profits.

The universal role of idioms

"Kill two birds with one stone" is an English idiom that means to accomplish two things with a single action. In French, the similar idiom is "Faire d'une pierre deux coups," which translates to "To kill two birds with one stone." This idiom highlights the efficiency of completing two tasks with one action.