motherload
The big strike
Motherload is a common misspelling of mother lode, the principal vein of ore in a mining region.
The correct term extends figuratively to any rich source: They struck the mother lode of vintage records.
The "load" spelling, though widespread, likely comes from mishearing—a mother lode is heavy, so "load" feels logical even though it's wrong.
bonanza
Sudden large windfall
gold · strike · excavation · mine · nugget · lode · seam · jackpot · extraction · prospector
jackpot
Accumulated gambling prize
- windfallUnanticipated lucky gain
- treasure troveOwnerless valuables found hidden
- bonanzaSudden large windfall
goldmine · fortune · wealth · abundance · riches · payload · bounty · haul · cornucopia · stockpile
loot
Stolen valuables
- treasureValued wealth or keepsake
- dropFall or release
- rare itemsUncommon, sought-after objects
inventory · chest · hoard · spawn · epic loot · rewards · collectibles · stash · powerups · legendary
- sources of abundanceparadise, cornucopia, land of milk and honey, treasure trove, gold mine
- Old Westcowboy, cowboys, cowgirl, sheriff, sheriffs
- excessexcess, too much, excessive, excessiveness, overabundance
motherloadpittance
Insultingly small payment
trickle · drop in the bucket · bare minimum · dearth · scarcity
motherloaddud
Failed device or effort
disappointment · bust · fool's gold · small potatoes · letdown
mother, load, mothers, mothered, mothering, motherly, motherhood, loads, loaded