pagoda-tree

A gardener plants a young pagoda-tree in a sunny park.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific tree species: The "pagoda-tree" refers to a type of tree, often the Plumeria or a related species, known for its ornamental value and sometimes associated with Buddhist temples or pagodas in Asia.
   • A figurative source of wealth: In informal or metaphorical usage, especially in historical contexts related to India, a "pagoda-tree" symbolises a source of rapid or easy financial gain, as if money grows on it.

Usage Examples

• Literal (tree):
  • The pagoda-tree in the temple courtyard is over a hundred years old. (A specific ornamental tree.)
• Figurative (wealth):
  • After his invention became popular, he treated his business like a pagoda-tree, expecting quick riches. (A source of easy money.)

Advanced Usage

• "to shake the pagoda-tree": An idiomatic expression meaning to become rich quickly or to make a sudden fortune, often through speculation or exploitation.
  • During the gold rush, many hoped to shake the pagoda-tree by finding a large nugget. (To gain wealth rapidly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pagoda (n): a tiered tower with multiple eaves, common in East Asia, often associated with temples.
  • The pagoda was visible from miles away. (A religious or decorative structure.)
• Tree (n): a perennial plant with a woody stem.
  • The tree provided shade in the garden. (A common plant.)

Synonyms

• Money tree: a metaphorical source of wealth.
• Cash cow: a dependable source of profit (informal).

Related Idioms

• Money doesn't grow on trees: a proverb meaning wealth is not easily obtained (contrasts with the "pagoda-tree" idea).
  • Don't waste your savings; money doesn't grow on trees. (Wealth requires effort.)
• Strike it rich: to suddenly become wealthy.
  • He struck it rich when he inherited the estate. (To gain sudden wealth.)