jackpot

[ jak-pot ]
/ ˈdʒækˌpɒt /

noun

the chief prize or the cumulative stakes in a game or contest, as in bingo, a quiz contest, or a slot machine.
Poker. a pot that accumulates until a player opens the betting with a pair of predetermined denomination, usually jacks or better.

Idioms for jackpot

    an outstanding reward or success.
    hit the jackpot, Informal.
    1. to achieve a sensational success; have sudden luck: The firm has hit the jackpot with its new line of computers.
    2. to win a jackpot.

Origin of jackpot

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for hit the jackpot

jackpot
/ (ˈdʒækˌpɒt) /

noun

any large prize, kitty, or accumulated stake that may be won in gambling, such as a pool in poker that accumulates until the betting is opened with a pair of jacks or higher
hit the jackpot
  1. to win a jackpot
  2. informal to achieve great success, esp through luck

Word Origin for jackpot

C20: probably from jack 1 (playing card) + pot 1

Idioms and Phrases with hit the jackpot (1 of 2)

hit the jackpot

Be highly successful, especially unexpectedly; win, especially a lot of money. For example, She hit the jackpot at the auction; that platter turned out to be genuine Meissen. This term comes from a form of poker in which a hand can be opened only if one holds at least a pair of jacks (or higher). Often a number of hands must be dealt before anyone can open, and since players must put in money for each round, the jackpot, or total amount held, is apt to be quite large. [Early 1900s]

Idioms and Phrases with hit the jackpot (2 of 2)

jackpot

see hit the jackpot.