Make a killing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Make a killing" is correct and usable in written English
It is typically used to describe making a large profit or earning a significant amount of money, often in a short period. Example: "After investing in the stock market at the right time, she managed to make a killing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Make a killing.

Forbes

Now they kill just to make a killing in the stock market.

The New York Times

Will she make a killing?

Independent

I'll make a killing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Earplug manufacturers would also make a killing.

The New York Times - Magazine

People thought we'd make a killing.

The Guardian - Sport

(And mediocre ones can make a killing at Christie's).

The New York Times

"Buyers will make a killing," splutters one Portuguese executive.

The Economist

Either way the hedge funds thought they'd make a killing.

The New York Times

"But we sure won't make a killing on it".

The New York Times

The forger's idea was to make a killing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate the phrase to add a dynamic or punchy tone to journalistic writing, as it conveys a sense of high-stakes success.

Common error

Avoid using "Make a killing" in strictly literal contexts involving biology or hunting unless you are intentionally making a pun. Additionally, refrain from using this idiom in highly sensitive or somber financial reports where a more neutral term like "generate significant yields" is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Make a killing" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. In the examples provided by Ludwig, it typically serves as the main predicate of a sentence to describe a high-yield financial outcome. According to Ludwig AI, it is both correct and usable in modern English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Informal

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Make a killing" is a robust and effective idiom for describing significant financial triumphs. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is entirely correct and standard in contemporary English. With over 60 high-quality examples from sources like The New York Times and The Economist, it is clear that this expression is a favorite in the world of business and tech journalism. While it carries a slightly informal tone compared to technical financial jargon, its ability to convey the excitement of a massive windfall makes it indispensable for writers aiming for impact. Always ensure the context involves a significant gain to maintain the idiom's intended weight.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strike it rich

Emphasizes the element of luck or discovering a sudden opportunity.

hit the jackpot

Uses a gambling metaphor to suggest a massive and often unexpected win.

make a fortune

A more standard and less informal way to describe earning a lot of money.

clean up

Very informal; suggests winning everything available in a specific situation.

rake it in

Implies a continuous or effortless flow of large sums of money.

cash in

Focuses on the act of converting an advantage or investment into profit.

turn a massive profit

The formal business equivalent suitable for corporate reporting.

hit pay dirt

Suggests finding something extremely valuable after a period of searching.

score big

A general success metaphor common in sports and business contexts.

bring home the bacon

Focuses more on providing a livelihood rather than just a one-time windfall.

FAQs

How do I use "make a killing" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a major financial success, for example: "He expected to "strike it rich", but he actually managed to "make a killing" on the stock market."

Is "make a killing" appropriate for business writing?

It is common in business journalism, but for internal formal reports, it is better to use "achieve substantial profit" or "realize significant gains".

What is the difference between "make a killing" and "make a living"?

The phrase "make a killing" refers to an extraordinary, often sudden profit, while "make a living" simply refers to earning enough money to support oneself.

Can I say "make a killing at" something?

Yes, it is very common to follow the phrase with 'at' or 'in' to specify the activity, such as being able to "clean up at" the tables or "make a killing" in the tech sector.