Classical Mythology. a Phrygian king, son of Gordius, who was given by Dionysus the power of turning whatever he touched into gold.
a person of great wealth or great moneymaking ability.
Greek legend a king of Phrygia given the power by Dionysus of turning everything he touched to gold
ability to make money
A person who is very successful or easily acquires riches is sometimes said to have a “Midas touch.”
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
NABU’s Operation Midas alleged that Ukrainian officials pressured companies to pay kickbacks for contracts with the state nuclear-energy company Energoatom.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026
The original golden touch belonged to King Midas, who loved it until he accidentally killed his daughter by turning her into a gold statue.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
The operation, dubbed "Midas" -- after the king from Greek myths who turned everything he touches into gold -- led to several arrests.
From Barron's • Nov. 13, 2025
The Parkhead club once had a bit of a Midas Touch when it came to finding rough diamonds, polishing them up and then selling them on.
From BBC • Aug. 31, 2025
The story of Midas is told best by Ovid from whom I have taken it.
From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton
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.
