- An excellent, often rare and valuable, chance or moment to achieve something desirable.
Explanation
Origin
- Gold has historically been associated with extreme value, wealth, rarity, and perfection.
- Describing an opportunity as golden emphasizes its high value and the potential benefits of seizing it.
- The association is straightforward metaphorical use of golden to mean supremely good or advantageous.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Big break
- Sweet deal
- Killer opportunity
- The jackpot (if it leads to great success/wealth)
More Formal:
- Propitious moment
- Advantageous opening
- Excellent prospect
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- A fucking golden opportunity.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, from informal conversation to business discussions. Its positive nature makes it widely acceptable.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally straightforward. The metaphorical use of golden is common and usually understood.
Examples
- Moving abroad for that job is a golden opportunity for your career.
- The market crash created a golden opportunity for investors.
- Don't miss this conference; it's a golden opportunity to network.
Dialogue
Manager: We have an opening to lead the new project in Singapore. It's a big step up.
Employee: Wow, Singapore? That sounds like a golden opportunity.
Manager: It is. Think it over, but let me know soon if you're interested. It won't be open for long.
Social Media Examples
- LinkedIn Post: Excited to share I've accepted a new role at [Company]! A truly golden opportunity to grow in my field. #career #newjob #opportunity
- Tweet: Scholarship deadline approaching! This is a golden opportunity for students in STEM. Don't miss out! #scholarship #STEM #education
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Enthusiasm: Absolutely! You should go for it! / Wow, that sounds amazing.
- Encouragement: Don't let it pass you by. / You have to take it!
- Consideration (from the person offered it): Yes, I'm seriously thinking about it.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After identifying a golden opportunity:
- Discussing how to seize it: So, what's the plan? / How can you make the most of it?
- Analyzing potential benefits: What do you hope to gain from it?
- Offering help or support: Let me know if there's anything I can do.
Conversation Starter
- Yes, can be used to introduce or highlight a significant chance or possibility.
Intonation
- Said with enthusiasm and positivity.
- Stress falls strongly on GOLDEN, often also on OPPORTUNITY. GOLDEN opporTUNity.
Generation Differences
- Understood and used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal across English-speaking regions.