Definition
One makes or comes into possession of a significant amount of money.
One is successful.
Origins
Merchants used to send goods abroad on ships to be sold, receiving the money when the ships returned.
In Context
- "I often wish I had the money the eggs and chickens bring; but, when I say so, father answers I shall when his ship comes in. When I was younger, I really thought he owned a ship, which would one day come into port."
- "He is heir to some property and prefers to loaf at saloons until his ship comes in. In the meantime, the wife's parents practically support her and her children."
See Also
- windfall
- monthly tugboat