SINCE 1828
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Midas touch

noun
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Definition of Midas touch

: an uncanny ability for making money in every venture

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Midas was a legendary king of Phrygia (in modern-day Turkey). In return for a good deed, he was granted one wish by the god Dionysus, and asked for the power to turn everything he touched into gold. When he discovered to his horror that his touch had turned his food and drink—and even his daughter—to gold, he begged Dionysus to take back the gift, and Dionysus agreed to do so. When "Midas touch" is used today, the moral of this tale of greed is usually ignored.

First Known Use of Midas touch

1813, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of Midas touch was in 1813

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Dictionary Entries Near Midas touch

midas fly

Midas touch

mid-Atlantic

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Cite this Entry

“Midas touch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Midas%20touch. Accessed 4 Jul. 2022.

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