Make a killing

[d+dwidow]

Where does the phrase 'make a killing' - as in 'we'd make a killing' - originate? It seems rather inappropriate somehow! Thanks.

[Quizmonster]

To 'make a killing' - as in 'make huge profits' - was originally American slang, dating from the 1880s. I suppose it is along the same lines as in: 'We slaughtered them!' when referring to beating opponents by a large margin.

[d+dwidow]

thanks quizmonster :-)