STRIKES GOLD Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "strikes gold" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to describe a sudden and unexpected discovery or achievement that brings great success or fortune. It originates from the literal act of finding a valuable deposit of gold while mining, which has historically been associated with immense wealth.
When someone "strikes gold," they stumble upon a metaphorical treasure trove or a stroke of good luck that brings them great benefit or advantage. This can refer to various aspects of life, such as business, career, relationships, or personal endeavors. The metaphorical gold represents an extraordinary opportunity or significant breakthrough that tends to be highly valuable, both materially and metaphorically.
The expression implies that the individual's discovery is unexpected and often comes as a pleasant surprise. Similar to striking gold through pure chance, the phrase often conveys the idea of stumbling upon success or achieving something extraordinary without much effort or foresight.
Furthermore, "striking gold" can also convey a sense of rarity, as finding genuine gold is generally considered extremely rare and valuable. Consequently, when someone "strikes gold," it suggests that they have achieved something truly exceptional or obtained a unique and coveted opportunity that is difficult to come by.
Overall, the phrase "strikes gold" encompasses the notion of unexpected and significant success, often accompanied by an element of good fortune or being in the right place at the right time.
Common Misspellings for STRIKES GOLD
Etymology of STRIKES GOLD
The phrase "strikes gold" has its origins in the California Gold Rush of the mid-19th century. Etymologically, "strikes" means to hit or discover, while "gold" refers to the valuable yellow metal. During the Gold Rush, thousands of individuals migrated to California in search of gold. Miners would often use pickaxes or other tools to strike the earth, hoping to uncover gold deposits. When someone "struck gold", it meant they had successfully found a valuable source of gold, which could change their fortunes overnight. The phrase eventually became idiomatic, referring to any situation where someone unexpectedly finds great success, luck, or fortune.
