Midas touch

American  

noun

1. the ability to turn any business venture one is associated with into an extremely profitable one.

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Usage

What does Midas touch mean? Midas touch is the ability to turn any business into a profitable one, as in The CEO had the Midas touch, managing to turn the business into a highly successful company. A person who always seems to be able to make anything into a success is said to have the Midas touch, as in Kathy must have the Midas touch because her team wins every game she plays in. The phrase is almost always meant as glowing praise or a big compliment. Example: Jake would need the Midas touch to turn the failing business into a success.

Etymology

Origin of Midas touch

First recorded in 1880–85; see origin at Midas

Example Sentences

SpaceX is no Pets.com, but will retail enthusiasm, Nasdaq’s helping hand and Musk’s Midas touch be enough to send it far past its mammoth $1.75 trillion value without profits?

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

After masterminding surprise wins over Manchester City and Premier League leaders Arsenal, this remarkable encounter suggested former United midfielder Carrick might have the Midas touch.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Brian Redban, co-owner of Sunset Strip ATX, comedian, podcaster, and producer of “JRE” and hit shows like “Kill Tony” and “Secret Show,” quite literally has the Midas touch.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 2024

Is it really the Midas touch or more of a poisoned chalice?

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2024

And yet while these mighty transitions worked themselves into being, the alchemy of the Midas touch left life unchanged back of Cedar Mountain itself.

From The Tempering by Buck, Charles Neville