killing

something is killing someone

Fig. something is causing someone pain. Wow, my feet are killing me!

go at something like a boy killing snakes

Rur. to do something with a great deal of energy. Once Mary decided to take that test, she went at her books like a boy killing snakes. I hired Joe to weed my garden, and he went at it like a boy killing snakes.

See also: boy, like, snake

make a killing

Fig. to have a great success, especially in making money. John has got a job selling insurance. He's not exactly making a killing. Bill made a killing at the racetrack yesterday.

See also: make

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make a killing  (informal)

to earn a lot of money very easily (often + on ) She made a killing on the house so she can't be short of money.

See also: make

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make a killing

to quickly earn a lot of money Street vendors should make a killing today selling souvenirs.

See also: make