The Midas Touch
The phrase refers to the legendary ability to make any undertaking extremely profitable. According to legend, Midas, King of Phrygia, asked the gods that everything he touched turn into gold. Dionysus granted his request, but when the very food Midas wished to eat turned to gold, he asked the gods to take back their gift. Dionysus then ordered Midas to bathe in the River Pactolus, thereby washing away the gift. By the seventeenth century, the idea was applied figuratively to anyone with a talent for making money.
Related and Similar Terms:
- Rich as Croesus: Another figure from mythology known for immense wealth. Croesus was the king of Lydia, an ancient kingdom reputed to be as wealthy as he was.
- Golden Goose: Refers to a beneficial source of continuous and significant income.
- Cash Cow: A continuously profitable unit which provides a steady stream of revenue.
- License to Print Money: Describes an activity, organization, or product that generates incredible profits with seemingly little effort.
Synonyms:
- Financial wizard
- Money maker
- Wealth generator
Antonyms:
- Money pit
- Financial sinkhole
- Bust
- Albatross around one’s neck
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “Having the Midas touch turns you into someone who can’t even hold onto their McDonald’s fries without a dental plan.” - Unknown
- “The Midas Touch is wonderful until you remember that Midas would make a terrible chef.” - Unknown
Proverbs and Expressions:
- “Not all that glisters is gold.” (Shakespeare)
- “Beware what you wish for.”
In Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
- Literature: Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” recounts the tale of King Midas.
- Book: “Aesop’s Fables,” though more sporadically talks about wealth and avarice.
- Movie: “The Secret of Midas,” a modern twist on the classic tale.
- Song: “Goldfinger” by Shirley Bassey, as a metaphor for the almost romanticized pursuit of wealth.
With an understanding of Midas’s perilous gift, next time you speak of achieving golden success, remember there’s value in balance. As Dionysus’s lesson taught King Midas, true wealth transcends glittering fortunes; it’s about realizing what truly enriches us. 🌟
Until next time, may your endeavors be fruitful—but remember, not everything that glitters is gold!
- Aurelia Alchemist
