sitting on a goldmine
sitting on a goldmine (idiom)
/ˈsɪtɪŋ ɒn ə ˈɡoʊldˌmaɪn/
Meanings
- Being in possession of something that has very high value or profit potential, often without fully realizing it.
- Having access to a resource, idea, or situation that can generate large benefits or wealth.
- Being in a highly advantageous position that is likely to lead to success or financial gain.
- (Literal) Being physically located on land that contains gold or valuable minerals.
Synonyms: hidden treasure; untapped resource; cash cow; money spinner; lucrative asset; source of wealth.
Example Sentences
- The startup is sitting on a goldmine with its innovative technology, but it lacks the funding to scale.
- He didn’t know he was sitting on a goldmine until collectors showed interest in his vintage comic books.
- With growing online demand, the small business is sitting on a goldmine of future profits.
- (literal) Early settlers believed the area was sitting on a goldmine after gold was discovered in nearby rivers.
Etymology and Origin
The phrase “sitting on a goldmine” is believed to have originated from the literal context of gold mining during the 19th-century gold rushes, where individuals might unknowingly possess land rich in untapped mineral resources. Etymologically, it combines “gold,” derived from ancient roots meaning “to shine,” with “mine,” referring to an excavation site, evolving into a metaphorical expression by the late 19th century to denote any overlooked source of substantial value or opportunity. Historically, the idiom reflects the cultural impact of mining booms, symbolizing sudden wealth discovery amid economic speculation and frontier exploration.
Country of First Appearance
This idiom first appeared in the United States, tied to the expansive gold mining activities that defined the nation’s westward expansion in the mid-19th century. The expression emerged in a cultural landscape shaped by resource extraction and entrepreneurial risk-taking, spreading through popular discourse in mining communities before entering broader usage.
Earliest Printed Record
The earliest printed record of the term in its figurative sense, denoting a source of great wealth, dates to 1882, appearing in various writings of the period without a specific attributed work or author. The quotation illustrates the concept as a profitable venture or asset, capturing the era’s fascination with economic potential: “a gold mine of information” or similar phrasing emphasizing abundance.
Evolution and Cultural Significance
Over time, the phrase has adapted to modern contexts, often applied to intellectual property, business ideas, or personal assets that promise high returns. Its persistence in language underscores themes of hidden value and realization, influencing literature, media, and everyday conversation while maintaining its roots in historical resource exploitation.
Variants
- on a goldmine
- sitting atop a goldmine
- living on a goldmine
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