golden opportunity
Meaning
A very good chance that is valuable and may not come again.
Origin
The metaphor uses “golden” to mean precious or highly valuable (like gold). The phrase has been used in English since at least the 19th century to describe a rare, excellent chance.
Notes
Means a rare, highly valuable chance—often implies you should act quickly and not waste it. Neutral register; common in business and everyday speech.
Examples
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The internship turned out to be a golden opportunity to build connections in the industry.
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When the tickets went on sale early, it was a golden opportunity to grab front-row seats.
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Moving abroad was a golden opportunity for her to learn the language quickly.
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The sudden drop in prices was a golden opportunity for investors to buy in.
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If you speak up at the meeting, it could be a golden opportunity to show your leadership.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun phrase with an article or determiner: “a golden opportunity,” “the golden opportunity,” “this golden opportunity.” Can be modified (e.g., “a once-in-a-lifetime golden opportunity”).
Synonyms
- great opportunity
- rare chance
- excellent chance
- golden chance
Antonyms
- missed opportunity
- lost chance