howling success

Idioms and Phrases

A tremendous triumph, as in Their first play was a howling success . This colloquial expression employs howling in the sense of “very pronounced” or “glaring,” a usage dating from the mid-1800s.

Example Sentences

The rugged merchants laughed, for the venture had been a howling success.

From Project Gutenberg

I wasn't a howling success as a farmer when I had two legs, but perhaps my luck has turned.

From Project Gutenberg

Tom took a flash-light of the cave, and we had it developed, but it was not a howling success.

From Project Gutenberg

"As a pitcher I don't seem to be a howling success," laughed Hodge.

From Project Gutenberg

This book is entitled, "From Five to Seven," and is a howling success.

From Project Gutenberg