Had the Golden Touch is a phrase that refers to King Midas, who was granted a wish by Dionysus that everything he touched would turn to gold. The spelling of "had" is /hæd/, pronounced with the short-a sound. "Golden" is spelled /ˈɡoʊldən/, with the stress on the first syllable and the schwa sound in the second syllable. "Touch" is spelled /tʌtʃ/, pronounced with the short-u sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced /hæd ðə ˈɡoʊldən tʌtʃ/.
The idiomatic expression "had the golden touch" refers to a person who consistently achieves great success or seemingly has a Midas-like ability to effortlessly turn everything they touch into gold. This phrase derives from the ancient Greek mythological story of King Midas, who was granted a wish by the god Dionysus for his kindness. Midas chose the power to turn anything he touched into solid gold. Initially elated with his new gift, Midas soon realized its drawbacks as he inadvertently turned everything, including his beloved daughter, into a lifeless golden statue.
In modern usage, "had the golden touch" describes someone who possesses exceptional talents or skills that lead to constant prosperity and triumph in various aspects of life, be it business, finance, sports, or relationships. This individual has an innate ability to make the right decisions, seize opportunities, and achieve remarkable success in their endeavors, seemingly without much effort. They possess an instinctive aptitude to bring fortune to everything they undertake, effortlessly turning their ventures profitable or granting them recognition and acclaim.
However, it is important to note that the phrase is often used in a figurative sense and may not necessarily suggest actual possession of a magical Midas-like power. Instead, it highlights the exceptional abilities and achievements of an individual, emphasizing their consistent track record of success and affluence.