English

Alternative forms

• mother-lode

Noun

motherlode ‎(plural motherlodes)

1. (literally) The main, central lode of a natural resource, near which smaller deposits of the same ore etc. exist.

   Once the Western mining company has exploited a motherlode with state of the art equipment, it often abandons the minor lodes to primitive local enterprise

2. (figuratively) The main prize, best cut or pick etc. by far, dwarfing all others.

   Luckily the philistine castle-burglars missed the motherlode: his lordship's historical memorabilia collection

Synonyms

• (figuratively): lion's share

Translations