Midas

/ˈmaɪdəs/ noun

Definition

A person with the magical ability to make money or gain wealth from anything they touch (from the Greek myth of King Midas).

Etymology

From Greek mythology, King Midas was granted a wish that everything he touched turned to gold, though it became a curse. Used metaphorically since ancient times for anyone with exceptional money-making ability.

Kelly Says

The real lesson of the Midas myth that everyone forgets is that his wish actually ruined his life—he couldn't eat or hug his daughter because they'd turn to gold—so the phrase 'the Midas touch' really should remind us that obsession with wealth can backfire!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.