Midas

American  

[mahy-duhs] / ˈmaɪ dəs /

noun

1. Classical Mythology. a Phrygian king, son of Gordius, who was given by Dionysus the power of turning whatever he touched into gold.

2. a person of great wealth or great moneymaking ability.

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MIDAS ¹ British  

/ ˈmaɪdəs /

acronym

1. Missile Defence Alarm System

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Midas ² British  

/ ˈmaɪdəs /

noun

1. Greek legend a king of Phrygia given the power by Dionysus of turning everything he touched to gold

2. ability to make money

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Midas Cultural  

1. In classical mythology, a king who was granted one wish by the god Dionysus. Greedy for riches, Midas wished that everything he touched would turn to gold. He soon regretted his request. When he tried to eat, his food became inedible metal. When he embraced his daughter, she turned into a golden statue. On the instruction of Dionysus, he washed in a river and lost his touch of gold.

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Discover More

A person who is very successful or easily acquires riches is sometimes said to have a “Midas touch.”

Example Sentences

Here’s to hoping Netflix is no Midas in reverse.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

She said the overall approach to Operation Midas could be described as a “big bang”—an explosive release of information designed for maximum impact.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

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

Midas, whose name has become a synonym for a rich man, had very little profit from his riches.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton