Word: Cash Cow
Definition: A "cash cow" is a project, product, or business that consistently makes a lot of money with little effort. It is a valuable asset that keeps generating income over time.
Usage Instructions:
You can use "cash cow" when talking about businesses, products, or investments that are very profitable.
It is often used in a business context, but can also apply to other areas where something continues to bring in money or benefits.
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In business strategy discussions, one might refer to a "cash cow" as part of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) matrix, which categorizes business units based on their market growth and market share. Cash cows are typically in a mature market with a high market share.
Word Variants:
Different Meaning:
While "cash cow" primarily refers to something profitable, it can also imply that a business or product is being overexploited for profit, sometimes at the expense of quality or customer satisfaction.
Synonyms:
Money-maker: Something that generates a lot of money.
Goldmine: Something that is very profitable.
Profit generator: A source of income.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "cash cow," but you might hear phrases like "milk it for all it's worth," which means to take as much advantage of a situation as possible.
Summary:
A "cash cow" is a profitable project or business that continually brings in money. It is useful to know this term in discussions about business, finance, and investments.