1
general::
Be highly successful, especially unexpectedly; win, especially a lot of money. For example, She hit the jackpot at the auction; that platter turned out to be genuine Meissen. This term comes from a form of poker in which a hand can be opened only if one holds at least a pair of jacks (or higher). Often a number of hands must be dealt before anyone can open, and since players must put in money for each round, the jackpot, or total amount held, is apt to be quite large. [Early 1900s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): hit the jackpot
1. Lit. to win a large amount of money gambling or in a lottery. • I hit the jackpot in the big contest. • Sally hit the jackpot in the lottery. 2. Fig. to be exactly right; to find exactly what was sought. • I hit the jackpot when I found this little cafe on Fourth Street. • I wanted a small house with a fireplace, and I really hit the jackpot with this one.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs