money-spinner

plural money-spinners · alternative moneyspinner · alternative money spinner

1. AustraliaUKfigurativelySomething that generates a continuous income.

   But on April 13 it 'scrambled' a rake of Mk 2s and dual-braked 'Black 5' 45212 to start its lucrative summer money-spinner two days later.

   2024 May 1, “Network News: West Coast Railways runs 'Jacobite' with Mk 1 and Mk 2 combination”, in RAIL, number 1008, page 9

   2 more examples

   One cannot resist the impression that the doctrine that a person who has been harmed in some way is a victim, and therefore cannot commit any wrong, has been turned into a money-spinner by lawyers.

   2011, Theodore Dalrymple, Spoilt Rotten: The Toxic Cult of Sentimentality

   […]and then those who, like the city’s mayor, see the £40m extravaganza as a welcome money-spinner and a wonderful showcase for the area’s attractions.

   2025 June 27, Sam Jones, “Till Jeff us do part: divisive, star-studded Bezos wedding hits full swing in Venice”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

   Synonyms: cash cow, moneymaker

2. A money spider.

   She never passed a spider or moneyspinner, without throwing it over her shoulder, to the no small annoyance of those who might be near.

   1859, James Grant, Hollywood Hall, page 65