pay dirt, hit

Idioms and Phrases

Also, strike pay dirt . Make a valuable discovery or large profit, as in We've been researching the source of that quotation for a month and we finally hit pay dirt in the Library of Congress . This idiom, from the mid-1800s, refers to a miner's finding gold or other precious metals while sifting soil. By the late 1800s it had been transferred to other lucrative discoveries.

Example Sentences

A play later, Caleb Williams hit pay dirt on an 11-yard run, giving USC a one-point lead.

From Los Angeles Times

The touchdown pass came via a spectacular haul from receiver Ja’Lynn Polk, who reached over cornerback Jeremy Earby’s head to hit pay dirt.

From Seattle Times

“She goes deep, and her eyes let you into her psyche. She had a huge amount of empathy for Candy and got inside her skin. Jesse Plemons was also our first choice for Allan. Jesse is an extraordinary actor, and subtle and complicated, so I felt like we hit pay dirt.”

From Los Angeles Times

Before its pioneering messenger RNA technology hit pay dirt, Moderna rewarded its executives and co-founders with generous helpings of stock.

From Washington Post

After all, it looks as if they have hit pay dirt with their rookie class — most notably with tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas and cornerback Tariq Woolen.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• accomplish
• connect
• gain
• get
• notch
• pull off
• rack up
• reach
• win