Midas

American  

[mahy-duhs] / ˈmaɪ dəs /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a Phrygian king, son of Gordius, who was given by Dionysus the power of turning whatever he touched into gold.

2. a person of great wealth or great moneymaking ability.

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Midas ¹ British  

/ ˈmaɪdəs /

noun

1. Greek legend a king of Phrygia given the power by Dionysus of turning everything he touched to gold

2. ability to make money

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MIDAS ² British  

/ ˈmaɪdəs /

acronym

1. Missile Defence Alarm System

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Midas Cultural  

1. In classical mythology, a king who was granted one wish by the god Dionysus. Greedy for riches, Midas wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. He soon regretted his request. When he tried to eat, his food became inedible metal. When he embraced his daughter, she turned into a golden statue. On the instruction of Dionysus, he washed in a river and lost his touch of gold.

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Discover More

A person who is very successful or easily acquires riches is sometimes said to have a “Midas touch.”

Example Sentences

At Spurs, this has been The Midas Touch in reverse.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Here’s to hoping Netflix is no Midas in reverse.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

Investigators even gave their probe a snappy name: Operation Midas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

The operation, dubbed "Midas" -- after the king from Greek myths who turned everything he touches into gold -- led to several arrests.

From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025

The late-afternoon sun turned all the new light green leaves to gold, like King Midas had been walking through the forest.

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine