PAY DIRT Meaning and
Definition
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Pay dirt is a colloquial expression used to describe an unexpectedly profitable or fortunate outcome, typically in a financial or material sense. The term is derived from mining, where "dirt" refers to the soil or earth being excavated, and "pay" signifies a valuable discovery or deposit. In mining, pay dirt represents a vein of precious minerals or a deposit rich in valuable resources, which leads to significant financial gains.
Outside of the mining context, pay dirt has become a metaphorical expression used to describe any situation or endeavor that yields a highly favorable or advantageous result. It implies stumbling upon a valuable find or achieving unexpected success, often in the form of financial gains or other rewards. Pay dirt encompasses a sense of luck, serendipity, or uncovering hidden treasures, and it is often associated with considerable monetary benefits.
The term pay dirt is commonly used in informal conversations or discussions, particularly in situations where someone is recounting a successful or lucrative experience. It can also be employed humorously or figuratively to emphasize an unexpectedly fortunate outcome or a stroke of good luck. Overall, pay dirt captures the essence of unexpected success, highlighting the concept of stumbling upon a highly profitable or lucrative discovery.
Common Misspellings for PAY DIRT
- oay dirt
- lay dirt
- -ay dirt
- 0ay dirt
- pzy dirt
- psy dirt
- pwy dirt
- pqy dirt
- pat dirt
- pag dirt
- pah dirt
- pau dirt
- pa7 dirt
- pa6 dirt
- pay sirt
- pay xirt
- pay cirt
- pay firt
- pay rirt
- paydirt
Etymology of PAY DIRT
The phrase "pay dirt" originated from the California Gold Rush in the mid-19th century. It derives from the mining practice of searching for gold or other valuable minerals in the sediment known as "dirt". When miners would discover a particularly rich deposit of valuable material, it was referred to as "pay dirt" because it was the dirt that would yield payment or profits. Over time, the term expanded beyond the literal mining context and became a metaphorical expression for any kind of valuable discovery or successful endeavor.
Idioms with the word PAY DIRT
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hit pay dirt
The idiom "hit pay dirt" means to find or achieve something extremely valuable or successful, often unexpectedly. It originated from the literal act of discovering a valuable mineral deposit or striking a rich vein of ore while mining. It is commonly used to express a significant breakthrough, a lucrative business venture, or any event leading to a fortunate outcome.
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hit/strike pay dirt
The idiom "hit/strike pay dirt" means to find or discover something valuable, especially unexpectedly or by chance. It refers to a fruitful or profitable outcome, often in terms of finding valuable minerals or resources while digging. It can also be used metaphorically to describe any successful or beneficial discovery.
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strike pay dirt
The idiom "strike pay dirt" means to succeed or make a valuable discovery, often unexpectedly or after a period of searching or effort. It originates from the world of mining, where "pay dirt" refers to soil or rock that contains a high concentration of valuable minerals, such as gold or silver. Therefore, when someone "strikes pay dirt," it implies that they have found something highly rewarding or profitable.
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pay dirt
To hit pay dirt means to have success or make a valuable discovery, especially one that brings financial gain.
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pay dirt, hit
To hit pay dirt means to find something valuable or to achieve success, especially after putting in a lot of effort or searching.
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