midas touch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic, business
Quick answer
What does “midas touch” mean?
An ability to make a lot of money or be successful in all one’s business or financial ventures.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ability to make a lot of money or be successful in all one’s business or financial ventures.
Any seemingly magical ability to turn whatever one undertakes into a success, often with a slightly negative connotation suggesting the success comes at a cost or that it is uncanny.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or form. Spelling of related words (e.g., 'capitalise/capitalize') may follow regional conventions.
Connotations
Equally understood in both varieties with the same core connotation of financial/business acumen. The mythological reference is equally familiar.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in business/financial journalism in both regions, with no notable disparity in usage frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “midas touch” in a Sentence
[Subject] + have/possess + the Midas touch[Subject] + seem to have + a Midas touch + in/with + [field][Subject] + be + renowned for + his/her/their Midas touchVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “midas touch” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The new fund manager has a Midas-touch reputation.
- They are looking for a CEO with that Midas-touch quality.
American English
- She's known for her Midas-touch approach to startups.
- The investor has a Midas-touch aura about him.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe an investor, CEO, or entrepreneur whose ventures consistently yield high profits.
Academic
Used in literature, classics, or cultural studies when discussing the myth of Midas or as a metaphor in economic history.
Everyday
Used informally to describe someone who is very lucky or successful in their hobbies or minor projects.
Technical
Not typically used in highly technical fields; it's a figurative, not literal, term.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “midas touch”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “midas touch”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “midas touch”
- Writing it in lowercase ('midas touch').
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He midas-touched the company' is non-standard).
- Forgetting the definite article 'the' (e.g., 'He has Midas touch').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always. While it denotes success, it often carries an undertone from the original myth, suggesting the success might be isolating, cursed, or come with hidden drawbacks.
Yes, because 'Midas' is a proper name (King Midas). The standard form is 'the Midas touch'.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically in other fields (e.g., sports, arts) to describe someone who consistently turns projects into successes, though the financial connotation is strongest.
The most common mistake is omitting the definite article 'the', saying 'he has Midas touch' instead of the correct 'he has the Midas touch'.
An ability to make a lot of money or be successful in all one’s business or financial ventures.
Midas touch is usually formal, journalistic, business in register.
Midas touch: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪdəs ˈtʌtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaɪdəs ˈtʌtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Everything he/she touches turns to gold.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember King MIDAS from the myth: Everything he touched turned to gold. His TOUCH made him rich. 'Midas Touch' = a touch that makes money.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS WEALTH / ABILITY IS A PHYSICAL SENSATION (TOUCH).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'the Midas touch'?