make a killing
To earn a large profit. We can make a killing on these toys if we're able to market them in time for the holidays. It's very rare for someone to make a killing on their first investment—it takes a lot of time and patience.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
make a killing
Enjoy a large and quick profit, as in They made a killing in real estate. This expression alludes to a hunter's success. [Slang; late 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
make a killing
COMMON If someone makes a killing, they make a large profit very quickly and easily. The boss of Britain's top pizza company made a killing yesterday by selling off some of his shares. If there is uncertainty about future gold prices, you could be lucky and make a killing.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
make a killing
have a great financial success, especially on a stock exchange.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
ˌmake a ˈkilling
(informal) make a lot of money quickly: He was clever. He invested a lot of money in property. When prices went up, he made a killing. OPPOSITE: lose your shirtFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
make a killing
tv. to make an enormous profit; to become an enormous success. I wanted to make a killing as a banker, but it didn’t work out.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.