1
general::
Also, cried all the way to the bank. Exult in a financial gain from something that had either been derided or thought worthless. For example, You may not think much of this comedian, but he's laughing all the way to the bank. Despite the seeming difference between laugh and cry, the two terms are virtually synonymous, the one with cry being used ironically and laugh straightforwardly. [c. 1960]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): laugh all the way to the bank
Fig. to be very happy about money that has been earned by doing something that other people might think is unfair or that they criticized. • He may not be in the nicest business, but he is doing well and can laugh all the way to the bank. • She makes tons of money doing what no one else will do and laughs all the way to the bank.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs