On the pig's back

Definitions

to be in a very fortunate or successful position
Expressing that someone is enjoying a period of good fortune or experiencing success
to be in a state of ease or comfort
Describing a situation where someone is feeling relaxed and content

Examples of On the pig's back

Sarah had just landed her dream job and was on top of the world. Her lucky streak seemed to have no end, as she was also promoted to a higher position, got a significant raise, and even won the lottery. Her friends jokingly said that she was "on the pig's back" - a saying that means having everything fall into place and enjoying an overwhelming success and good fortune.

The expression "on the pig's back" is a colloquial idiom that is derived from an old Germanic legend about a woman who rode a pig to reach heaven. The idiom suggests that a person is experiencing an excessive and prolonged spell of favorable circumstances and good luck, as if they have no worries or troubles in their lives. The expression can sometimes be used figuratively, meaning that someone's career, love life, or personal affairs seem to be surging ahead effortlessly, just as a contented pig carries a rider without much effort. However, it's also important to keep in mind that the saying could be misused or misinterpreted by some people, who might assume that the lucky person, or "pig," is taking advantage of others or boasting about their riches. Therefore, it's always best to use the idiom in a lighthearted and humorous context, to avoid any misunderstandings or negative connotations.
After years of hard work, dedication, and persistence, Jane finally hit a jackpot with her business venture. Her new product received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, which led to a significant increase in sales and profits. Her competitors were left amazed and bewildered, as they struggled to keep pace with Jane's success. Her friends and colleagues jokingly said that she was "on the pig's back" - an expression that Jane found amusing and flattering, as it indicated that she had reached the pinnacle of success and was riding high on the wave of good fortune.

The expression "on the pig's back" is a vivid and colorful metaphor that is often used by people to describe a person's unexpected or undeserved success, especially when it's achieved through hard work, persistence, and innovation. The phrase "pig's back" is a playful and lighthearted allusion to an apocryphal legend, which suggests that a woman once rode a pig to heaven. By using this expression to describe Jane's success, her friends and colleagues meant that Jane's flourishing business venture appeared to be effortless and swift, and that she was enjoying an unexpected bonanza of success and prosperity, just as a pig might carry a fortunate rider to a happy destination. However, the idiom should be used with caution, as it can also be interpreted as a criticism by some people, who might assume that the successful person is gloating about their wealth or prestige, or that they have achieved their success by riding on the coattails of others. To avoid any misunderstandings or negative connotations, it's always best to use the expression in a playful and humorous context, and to ensure that the person being described is aware of its meaning and takes it in good faith.
Sarah has been on the pig's back ever since she won the lottery.

To be on the pig's back is another way of saying that someone is very lucky or privileged. In this example, Sarah has had a stroke of luck and won the lottery, which has put her in a state of luxurious comfort and contentment.
After a series of promotions, John found himself on the pig's back in his career.

When someone's career is progressing rapidly and they are enjoying a string of successes, we say that they're on the pig's back - the expression comes from the image of a pig lying on its back, which is considered to be a very comfortable position for the animal. This phrase is often used metaphorically to indicate that a person is enjoying a period of good fortune or success in their career or professional life.
The team's winning streak has put them on the pig's back in the league standings.

When a team or an individual athlete is experiencing a succession of victories and dominating performances in their sport, we say that they're on the pig's back in the relevant rankings or standings. In other words, they are at the top of their game and are reaping the rewards of their hard work and dedication.
With the help of a mentor, Emily's business has finally gotten onto the pig's back.

When a business is enjoying a sustained period of growth and profitability, we say that it's on the pig's back - the phrase is often used to describe a situation where the company's fortunes have taken a turn for the better. This expression can imply that the business is now in a comfortable and advantageous position, which may allow it to build on its initial successes and continue its upward trajectory.
After winning the lottery, Jane finally felt like she was on the pig's back.

This idiom means that Jane is experiencing a great deal of success and good luck. The phrase "on the pig's back" implies a position of supreme comfort and contentment, as if riding a pig like a piggyback ride. This is a visual and humorous way to communicate the idea of someone having everything go right for them.
Despite the setbacks and challenges, the project seemed to be on the pig's back.

This use of the idiom is less literal, as we're not implying that the project is physically riding a pig. Instead, we're saying that the project is undergoing a fortunate and successful course of events. The expression conveys a sense of confidence and optimism, as if everything is moving forward smoothly and effortlessly.

Conclusion

The idiom "on the pig's back" can be used to convey the idea of being in a very fortunate or successful position, as well as to describe a state of ease or comfort.

Origin of "On the pig's back"

The origin of the idiom "on the pig's back" is not entirely clear, but it is thought to have originated in Ireland. The phrase may have been derived from the idea of someone riding on the back of a pig, which would be an unusual and unlikely position to be in. This imagery may have been used to convey the idea of being in a highly fortunate or successful situation. Over time, the idiom has come to be used more broadly to express a sense of contentment or ease. While the exact origin of the phrase remains uncertain, its meaning and usage have become well-established in the English language.

Examples:

After winning the lottery, he felt like he was on the pig's back.
She's been promoted to a high-paying job, so she's on the pig's back right now.