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win the lottery
/wɪn ðə ˈlɑtəri/
get extremely lucky by receiving a large sum of money
She won the lottery and bought a mansion.
She received a large unexpected sum of money and used it to buy a very expensive house.
informal
To receive a large sum of money unexpectedly, typically through a lottery or gambling.
He won the lottery and quit his job the next day.
He received a large unexpected sum of money and immediately stopped working.
If I win the lottery, I'll travel the world.
If I receive a large unexpected sum of money, I'll visit many countries.
Often used figuratively to describe any sudden, unexpected good fortune, not just financial.
Collocations
win the lotteryreceive a large unexpected sum of moneywin a small lotteryreceive a small amount of money unexpectedlywin the jackpotwin the largest possible prize in a lottery
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal overuse
While 'win the lottery' can describe any sudden good fortune, avoid using it for minor events (e.g., 'I won the lottery when I found my lost keys' is too exaggerated). Reserve it for significant, life-changing events.
Gold Rule
Use for financial windfalls
Reserve this phrase for situations involving unexpected money or wealth, not for general good luck.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'win' (Old English 'winnan', meaning to struggle or fight) with 'lottery' (from Italian 'lotto', meaning 'a lot' or 'fate'). The concept of lotteries dates back to ancient China and Rome, where they were used to fund public projects. The modern sense of winning money emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
While often used literally, 'win the lottery' can also describe any sudden, unexpected good fortune (e.g., 'She won the lottery in love when she met her soulmate.'). The phrase implies a significant, life-changing event rather than minor good luck.
Word Breakdown
win
to achieve a victory or success in a contest or game
verbthe lottery
a game of chance where prizes are awarded by drawing lots
noun phraseEnglish Dictionary