1.
making a fortune at a stroke; striking it rich; getting rich quick
Gaining a large amount of money or wealth all at once through a single opportunity. A four-character idiom (四字熟語). Literally means 'grab a thousand gold pieces in one swoop.'
一攫千金を夢見る。
To dream of striking it rich.
宝くじで一攫千金を狙う。
To aim for a big win with the lottery.
一攫千金を狙って株に投資したが、大損してしまった。
I invested in stocks hoping to strike it rich, but ended up with a huge loss.
A 四字熟語 (four-character idiom) meaning to get rich in one stroke.
LITERAL MEANING:
一 (one) + 攫 (seize/grab) + 千 (thousand) + 金 (gold) — "grab a thousand gold pieces in one swoop."
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 一攫千金を夢見る: to dream of striking it rich
- 一攫千金を狙う: to aim for a quick fortune
- 一攫千金を手にする: to get rich quick
NUANCE:
Often used with a cautionary tone, implying that such get-rich-quick schemes are risky, unrealistic, or reckless. Commonly appears in contexts about gambling, lotteries, or speculative investments.
NOTE:
The character 攫 (seize) is uncommon outside this idiom.