Cash cow

Origin: The idiom "Cash cow" derives from the agricultural practice of dairy farming, where a well-kept cow can provide a steady, reliable source of income through its milk production. This metaphor was adopted in the business world to describe an asset, product, or business unit that consistently generates substantial revenue with minimal investment. The term became popular in the 20th century, emphasizing the importance of such assets in funding other ventures and maintaining overall financial health. The "cash cow" signifies a lucrative, low-maintenance source of income that supports broader business strategies.

Examples

• The subscription service turned out to be their cash cow, funding all their other innovations.
• For years, the old software was the company's cash cow, providing consistent revenue despite minimal updates.
• The blockbuster movie series became a cash cow for the studio, allowing them to invest in riskier projects.
• Their popular mobile game was a cash cow, generating millions in microtransactions every month.
• The best-selling novel transformed into a cash cow, with lucrative spin-offs, merchandise, and film adaptations.
• The fast-food chain's signature burger has been a cash cow since its introduction decades ago.
• Once they secured the exclusive rights to the product, it became a cash cow, ensuring financial stability.
• The vintage clothing store found their cash cow in the form of rare band t-shirts from the 80s.
• Their flagship smartphone is a cash cow, driving the majority of the company's profits year after year.
• The long-running TV show remains a cash cow, drawing in advertisers and viewers season after season.