Meaning: This idiom means to achieve great success, often unexpectedly, or to win a large amount of money, typically through gambling.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “When she landed that high-paying job, she felt like she hit the jackpot.”
- “They hit the jackpot with their new product; sales have exceeded all expectations.”
- “Winning the lottery is the ultimate way to hit the jackpot.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “hit the jackpot” comes from gambling, particularly from slot machines and poker. In slot machines, the “jackpot” is the largest prize that can be won, often triggered by hitting a specific combination of symbols. In poker, a “jackpot” originally referred to a hand with a pair of jacks or better, which was a requirement for opening a pot in certain versions of the game. Over time, the term “hit the jackpot” has been used more broadly to describe any significant or unexpected success or windfall.