strike it rich

Meaning: To become rich or successful suddenly.

Example: “Her uncle struck it rich with a patent for a bottle cap.”

Origin: From 19th-century American mining, where prospectors "struck" a rich vein of gold, silver or oil. The phrase was soon used for any sudden success or fortune.

More English idioms

string someone along To make someone believe something that is not true.
stuffed shirt A pompous, self-important and humorless person.
suit someone to a T Perfectly; exactly.
take a shine to someone or something To like someone spontaneously.
take it easy To relax.
take off To leave quickly; or to become suddenly successful or popular.

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Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

Fame Actually means 'hunger'. Ho fame = I'm hungry. For fame (renown), say fama.
Vaso Actually means 'a drinking glass'. A vase (for flowers) is un jarrón or florero.
Pasta Actually means 'folder' or 'briefcase'. Pasta (the food) is massa.

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