a golden egg

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a golden egg" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to something that is very valuable or profitable, typically in the context of a source of income or benefit. Example: "The new product line has become a golden egg for the company, significantly boosting its revenue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Will it be a golden egg?

Independent

So, will it be a golden egg?

The Guardian

"I see it as a golden egg," he said.

The New York Times

So this panto powerhouse should lay a golden egg with this one.

The Guardian

Frank O. Gehry thinks he is sitting on a golden egg.

The New York Times

"Few bosses want to hear nattering about a goose that is laying a golden egg".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

VISITORS to Astana, Kazakhstan's glitzy new capital, can zoom 97 metres (318 feet) up a purpose-built tower and, inside a giant golden egg at its apex, place a hand in the palm print of the president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The Economist

The mega-casino's sleek glass towers surround a huge golden egg, called the Fortune Egg, which creators hope will become a city landmark.

Los Angeles Times

Theatre broadcasts are clearly a financial golden egg, but we need to ensure that we don't kill the goose – the live theatre, including touring theatre – that laid them in the first place.

The Guardian

By expanding its in-app purchases beyond the level-beating Mighty Eagle, Rovio could earn higher a higher average lifetime revenue per user for itself and Facebook rather than squeezing a single golden egg from players upon install.

TechCrunch

Players can unlock a special "Golden Egg" level of the game, and once the special level is completed, users can register to win Samsung prizes exclusive to Infuse 4G users.**.**

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a golden egg" when you want to emphasize the value or profitability of something, especially in a business or economic context. For instance, when describing a successful product line or investment.

Common error

Avoid using "a golden egg" in literal contexts unless the situation explicitly involves a literal golden egg. This phrase is typically used metaphorically, so using it literally may confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a golden egg" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it typically refers to something of high value or profitability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a golden egg" is a noun phrase used to describe something highly valuable or profitable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While the phrase is not overly common, it is well-understood and carries a generally neutral register. Alternatives include "a valuable asset" or "a lucrative opportunity". To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the context is appropriate for a metaphorical meaning, since its literal usage may confuse your audience. The expression is typically employed when you want to emphasize the worth of something, particularly in business or economic scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a goose that lays golden eggs

An idiom conveying a source of continuing wealth or profit, the extended form adds emphasis.

a lucrative opportunity

Emphasizes the potential for profit or financial gain.

a valuable asset

Focuses on the inherent worth or usefulness.

a profitable venture

Stresses the financial success of an undertaking.

a cash cow

Highlights the consistent generation of revenue.

a source of great wealth

Directly indicates the generation of substantial riches.

a winning formula

Refers to a strategy or method that consistently produces positive results.

a precious resource

Highlights the rarity and importance of the element.

a strategic advantage

Emphasizes the competitive edge gained.

a highly prized possession

Focuses on the desirability and value of the object or concept.

FAQs

How can "a golden egg" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "a golden egg" is often used to describe something that is highly valuable or profitable. For example, "The new software became "a golden egg" for the company, generating substantial revenue".

What are some alternatives to saying "a golden egg"?

You can use alternatives like "a valuable asset", "a lucrative opportunity", or "a cash cow" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a golden egg" in a business context?

Yes, it is perfectly correct. In business, "a golden egg" is often used to refer to a product, service, or strategy that generates significant profit or value for the company.

What is the origin of the idiom "a goose that lays golden eggs" and how does it relate to "a golden egg"?

The idiom "a goose that lays golden eggs" comes from Aesop's fables and refers to a source of continuous wealth or profit. "A golden egg" itself is often used as a shorthand for this concept, representing the valuable output or benefit derived from that source.