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cash cow

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cash cow

A business or investment that generates a large or consistent profit. When Bob purchased stock in that software company 10 years ago, he never expected it to become such a cash cow. Now that it has quadrupled in value, he'll be able to retire early.

See also: cash, cow

cash cow

A dependable source of profit, as in The small-appliance division is this company's cash cow. Although this precise term dates only from about 1970, milch cow was used in exactly the same way from 1601.

See also: cash, cow

cash cow

n. a dependable source of money; a good investment. Mr. Wilson turned out to be the cash cow we needed to start our repertoire company.

See also: cash, cow