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
Brian Redban, co-owner of Sunset Strip ATX, comedian, podcaster, and producer of “JRE” and hit shows like “Kill Tony” and “Secret Show,” quite literally has the Midas touch.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 30, 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
In Canada, with all its capabilities and advantages, there is no royal road to riches—no Midas touch to turn everything into gold.
From The Englishwoman in America by Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)
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.
