PAY DIRT

{n.}, {slang} 1. The dirt in which much gold is found. * /The man searched for gold many years before he found pay dirt./ 2. {informal} A valuable discovery. - Often used in the phrase "strike pay dirt". * /When Bill joined the team, the coach struck pay dirt./ * /Jean looked in many books for facts about her hometown, and finally she struck pay dirt./ Compare: STRIKE IT RICH.