Definition

Noun: 1. A source of great wealth or success; a valuable discovery: The term refers to something that yields a substantial profit or a highly successful outcome, often after a period of effort or searching. Its origin is from mining, where it literally means ore rich enough to be worth mining for profit. 2. (Literally, in mining) Ore that yields a substantial profit to the miner: The original, literal meaning referring to earth or gravel that contains a profitable amount of gold or other precious minerals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After years of research, the scientist finally hit pay dirt with her groundbreaking discovery.
  • The old map led the treasure hunters straight to pay dirt.
  • The company's new marketing campaign struck pay dirt, resulting in record sales.

Advanced Usage

• "to hit/strike pay dirt": This is the most common idiomatic phrase. It means to finally find something very valuable or to achieve great success, especially after trying for a long time.
  • The filmmaker hit pay dirt with his first low-budget movie.
  • After interviewing dozens of candidates, we finally struck pay dirt with this brilliant applicant.

Variants and Related Words

• Pay (verb): To give money for goods or services. The connection is the concept of receiving a profitable return.
• Dirt (noun): Earth or soil. In the compound "pay dirt," it specifically refers to the earth containing valuable ore.

Synonyms

• Bonanza: A situation which creates a sudden increase in wealth or success.
• Gold mine: A source of great wealth, advantage, or information.
• Jackpot: The largest prize in a game or lottery; a big success.
• Windfall: An unexpected, unearned gain, typically of money.

Related Idioms

• Hit the jackpot: To have a great success, especially by winning a lot of money. Very similar in meaning and usage to "hit pay dirt."
  • With that investment, they really hit the jackpot.
• Strike gold: To find or do something that brings great success or wealth. Directly related to the mining origin of "pay dirt."
  • The author struck gold with her debut novel.

Noun

1. a profitable success
   • the inventor worked for years before hitting pay dirt
2. ore that yields a substantial profit to the miner