everything one touches turns to gold: Idiom Meaning and Origin

They say that everything one touches turns to gold. But what does that actually mean? Is it some kind of magical power or just a saying? Let's take a closer look.

The expression "everything one touches turns to gold" is an idiom that means someone has the ability to succeed in everything they do. It implies that they possess a special talent or skill that consistently leads to good outcomes.

Interestingly enough, this idiom has a counterpart: "everything one touches turns to shit." This expression is used to describe someone who seems to have the opposite effect - no matter what they do, it turns out badly. It's as if they have a reverse Midas touch, turning everything they touch into something undesirable.

The origin of the phrase "everything one touches turns to gold" can be traced back to Greek mythology. The story of King Midas tells us about a king who was granted a wish by the god Dionysus. He chose the power to turn anything he touched into gold. At first, Midas was overjoyed with his newfound ability, but soon he realized the unintended consequences of his wish. He couldn't eat, drink, or even touch his loved ones without turning them into gold. This curse taught him that not everything that glitters is gold.

On the other hand, the idiom "everything one touches turns to shit" has no clear origin, but it reflects the opposite side of the coin. It highlights the idea that some people have a genuine talent for turning anything they come in contact with into something unwanted, unlucky, or disappointing.

It's fascinating how these idioms represent such extreme aspects of human experiences. Whether it's the Midas touch or its reverse, they capture the essence of our desire for success and the fear of failure.

When we think about the idiom "everything one touches turns to gold" in a larger context, we can apply this concept to various areas of life. It can apply to someone's professional success, their personal relationships, or even their creative endeavors.

In the workplace, having the Midas touch means being able to consistently achieve positive results. It's about being highly skilled, adaptable, and resourceful. This can lead to promotions, recognition, and a successful career.

But it's important to remember that not everything one touches turns to gold. Even the most successful individuals face failures and setbacks along the way. It's how they handle those challenges that truly defines their character and separates them from those with the reverse Midas touch.

Moving beyond the workplace, the idiom can also be applied to personal relationships. Having the Midas touch in this context means being able to create strong connections, maintain healthy communication, and build trust. It's about being able to navigate the ups and downs of relationships with grace and understanding.

On the other hand, having the reverse Midas touch in relationships can lead to constant misunderstandings, conflicts, and ultimately, the breakdown of connections. It's as if everything one tries to do to improve relationships only ends up making them worse.

When it comes to creative endeavors, having the Midas touch means having the ability to consistently produce high-quality work that resonates with others. Artists, writers, musicians, and all kinds of creatives aspire to have their creations turn to gold - to be recognized and appreciated.

But as we know, not everything one touches turns to gold. Artists also face rejection, criticism, and periods of creative blocks. However, it's through these challenges that they can grow, learn, and ultimately improve their craft.

The idiom "everything one touches turns to gold" reminds us of the power of positivity, resilience, and hard work. It encourages us to believe in our abilities and pursue our goals with determination.

But it's also important to acknowledge that not everything will turn out as planned. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things may not go the way we want them to. And that's okay. It's a part of life and a reminder that success is not solely determined by the outcome, but also by the journey.

The idioms "everything one touches turns to gold" and "everything one touches turns to shit" highlight the extremes of human experience. They represent the desire for success and the fear of failure. While it's great to strive for success and have the Midas touch, it's also important to recognize that setbacks and failures are a part of life. What matters is how we handle those challenges and continue to grow.