Definition

Noun: - Exceptionally high volume of profitable trade or commercial activity: This term refers to a situation where business is being conducted at a very rapid and successful rate, generating large profits. It often implies a booming or frenzied pace of sales.

Usage

This noun phrase is typically used to describe a period of intense commercial success. It is often used with verbs like "do" or "have." - It is commonly used in the construction: do a land-office business.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• The phrase originates from the 19th-century United States, referring to the extremely busy offices that administered the sale of public lands during westward expansion. Its modern use retains the connotation of a bustling, highly profitable operation.
• It often carries a slightly informal or idiomatic tone and is used to emphasize remarkable commercial activity.

Variants and Related Words

• Boom (n): a period of great prosperity or rapid economic growth.
• Rush (n): a sudden rapid movement or surge of activity, often commercial.

Synonyms

• Booming trade
• Brisk business
• Heavy traffic (in a commercial context)

Related Idioms

• Sell like hotcakes: To be sold very quickly and in large quantities.
  • The limited-edition sneakers sold like hotcakes.
• Do a roaring trade: To do very brisk and profitable business.
  • The market stalls were doing a roaring trade in handmade crafts.

Noun

1. very large and profitable volume of commercial activity