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.
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
“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
Is it really the Midas touch or more of a poisoned chalice?
From BBC • Jan. 4, 2024
But Big Lars is on the crest of his wave; he has the Midas touch; everything he lays his hands on turns to gold.
From The Winds of Chance by Beach, Rex Ellingwood
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.
