make a killing

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

“They make a killing in the market … and I don’t think the congressmen should be able to be doing the stock trades. I think we need to reform that.”

From Los Angeles Times

So far, Ramaswamy seems to have more modest goals, mainly being the next Ben Shapiro or Candace Owens, shameless hucksters who make a killing by selling validation to bigots.

From Salon

What Ramaswamy gets, however, is he can make a killing grifting GOP voters who want a racial minority out there validating their prejudices for them.

From Salon

Tom Mueller’s latest book, “How to Make a Killing: Blood, Death and Dollars in American Medicine,” will be published in August.

From New York Times

"Some of the less reputable ball boys used to make a killing - they'd sell them to the people in the queue rather than take them back. I didn't have the nous or the courage to try doing that."

From BBC

Related Words

• achieve
• advance
• attain
• benefit
• boost
• build up
• collect
• earn
• expand
• get
• grow
• have
• improve
• increase
• make
• obtain
• pick up
• produce
• promote
• reach