PhrasesHub

A cash cow

    Definitions

      • a profitable venture
        Refers to a business, investment, or product that consistently generates a large amount of money or profit

      • a source of easy money
        Describes something or someone that provides a steady and reliable income with little effort or investment

    Examples of A cash cow

    • XYZ Corporation's best-selling product, the XYZ-123, is a true cash cow. It generates a vast majority of the company's revenue and profits, allowing the company to expand and invest in new projects.

      The phrase "a cash cow" is a figurative expression that describes a product or a business venture that consistently generates a high income for the company. It's like a cow that generates milk, and in the case of a cash cow, it's a product that brings in a steady flow of cash for the company.

    • Despite stiff competition in the market, the smartphone brand, Apple's iPhones, continue to be a cash cow for the company. With its premium pricing strategy and a loyal customer base, iPhone sales alone account for a significant portion of Apple's revenue and profits.

      The phrase "continue to be a cash cow" is a continuation of the same idiom, and it signifies that the product or business venture has been consistently generating high revenues and profits over a prolonged period.

    • The popular video streaming platform, Netflix, has transformed into a global cash cow. With its expansive library of critically acclaimed original content, Netflix's revenue has skyrocketed, and it's now one of the most valuable media companies in the world.

      The phrase "global cash cow" is a variation of the same idiom, in this case, highlighting the product's or business's global reach and the significant impact it has on the company's financials across the world.

    • The global COVID-19 pandemic has left many businesses struggling to survive, but some companies like Zoom Video Communications, have emerged as unexpected cash cows. With its video conferencing software, Zoom's revenue has increased exponentially during the pandemic, as more people and businesses adopt remote work and study practices.

      The phrase "unexpected cash cow" is a unique variation of the idiom, indicating that the product or business venture's sudden success and profitability took the company by surprise. It's like a cow that suddenly starts giving more milk than expected, and in this case, the cash cow is the unexpected surge in revenue due to the product's popularity during unforeseen circumstances.

    • The pharmaceutical company's new drug has become a cash cow, generating millions in profits each year.

      In this example, the idiom "a cash cow" is being used to describe a product or venture that consistently generates a large amount of profit for a company. The drug in this case has become so profitable that it is likened to a cow that produces an abundant amount of milk, representing the large sum of money being produced.

    • The reality TV show has become a cash cow for the network, with spin-offs and merchandise driving up profits.

      Here, the TV show being discussed is so financially successful that it is being compared to a cow that continually produces wealth for the network. This can be further extended to the spin-offs and merchandise, which also contribute to the profits being made, making them part of the overall "cash cow" operation.

    • The professional athlete's endorsement deals have turned him into a cash cow, with companies eager to capitalize on his brand.

      This example illustrates how the idiom "a cash cow" can also be applied to individuals, particularly those with high profiles or significant influence. In this case, the athlete's popularity and reputation have made him a valuable asset to various companies, resulting in lucrative endorsement deals that generate a substantial amount of financial return.

    • The tech company's flagship product has become a cash cow, with sales continuing to grow year after year.

      Finally, this example demonstrates the longevity of the concept of a cash cow, as it can apply to products that are consistently profitable over a long period of time. The tech company's flagship product has proven to be a reliable source of income, with sustained sales and profitability that can be likened to a cow that continues to produce milk over a prolonged period.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a cash cow" is commonly used to refer to a highly profitable venture or a source of easy money. It can be used in a business context to describe a product, investment, or business that consistently generates a large amount of money. Additionally, it can also be used to describe something or someone that provides a steady and reliable income with little effort or investment.

    Overall, the idiom is used to emphasize the financial success and profitability of a particular venture or source of income.

    Origin of "A cash cow"

    The origin of the idiom "a cash cow" can be traced back to the agricultural industry. In farming, a cow that produces a large quantity of milk can be considered a valuable asset, providing a steady source of income for the farmer. This concept was later adapted into the business world, where the term "cash cow" came to represent a highly profitable venture or source of income.

    The idiom gained popularity in the business and investment sectors, where it is commonly used to describe a product, business, or investment that consistently generates significant profits. The term "cash cow" has since become a widely recognized expression to signify financial success and profitability.

    Overall, the origin of the idiom "a cash cow" can be linked to the notion of a valuable and highly productive asset, particularly in the context of generating income and profits.