Midas touch
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“That’s Franki’s Midas touch: He knows how to throw a good party with good music,” says booking agent Tom Windish, who counts Eilish among his clients.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2024
The D-backs were cursed with a reverse Midas touch.
From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2023
Wiegman had the Midas touch whereas Vilda had the minus touch, mysteriously removing goalscorer Gonzalez, actually puncturing Spain's attacking impetus.
From BBC • Jul. 20, 2022
The Midas touch of its rays fell upon the hair of Helen Greyson, turning its wavy locks into gold as she softly sang over her modeling.
From The Pagans by Bates, Arlo
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
