make a fortune
Amass great wealth
To make a fortune is to acquire great wealth, typically through business, investment, or some successful venture: She made a fortune in real estate.
The phrase suggests substantial riches rather than modest gains—enough to change one's circumstances dramatically.
It can also describe earning a lot relative to expectations: We made a fortune selling lemonade at the parade.
- windfallUnanticipated lucky gain
- prosperityGood fortune, success
- profitGain exceeding expenditure
- cash cowDependable income source
- wealthAbundance of valuable resources
success · big break · riches · tycoon · magnate · jackpot · thrive · lottery · bonanza · investment · capital · golden goose · inheritance · mogul · serendipity · perseverance · startup · stocks
make a fortunego bankrupt
Become legally insolvent
lose one's shirt · go bust · go under · hit rock bottom · take a bath
make a fortunescrape by
Survive with minimal resources
live paycheck to paycheck · tread water · keep one's head above water · scrimp and save · pinch pennies
make, makes, making, maker, makers, fortune, fortunes, fortunate, fortunately