hit the jackpot — to have great success or luck, especially in making money
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to have great success or luck, especially in making money
Pronunciation (IPA): /hɪt ðə ˈdʒækpɑt/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother hit the jackpot when she found her wedding ring in the cookie jar.
- The small tech company hit the jackpot with their new app.
- I thought I hit the jackpot finding a $20 bill, but it turned out to be Monopoly money.
hit the jackpot
NOUN[/hɪt ðə ˈdʒækpɑt/]
to have great success or luck, especially in making money
having great success and luck, especially in making money
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase originates from 19th-century poker, where 'jackpot' referred to the accumulated pot of stakes that could only be won by a player holding a pair of jacks or better. The term later transferred to casino slot machines, where 'jackpot' denoted the highest possible prize. 'Hit the jackpot' thus emerged as an idiomatic expression meaning to win a substantial prize or achieve sudden success.
Breakdown
hit (strike/achieve) + the (definite article) + jackpot (jack—a playing card + pot—the pool of stakes). The compound 'jackpot' combines the card rank 'jack' with 'pot,' referencing the poker rule requiring a jack-level hand to claim the prize pool.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother hit the jackpot when she found her wedding ring in the cookie jar.”
“The small tech company hit the jackpot with their new app.”
“I thought I hit the jackpot finding a $20 bill, but it turned out to be Monopoly money.”
“When she married him, she really hit the jackpot - he's handsome, kind, and can cook!”
📚Related Words
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