windfall
WIND-fawlnounMeaning an unexpected gain, such as money one did not work for
Memory hook the WIND makes the fruit FALL. A gust of wind shakes the old tree, and a dozen ripe pieces of fruit tumble right into Ivy’s basket; a gift you did not work for is a windfall.
A windfall from a forgotten savings account paid for the family’s trip to the coast.
In context The town had no money for a new library; the funds came as a windfall when a dusty painting in the town hall attic turned out to be worth a fortune.
Similar bonanza, godsend, jackpot, stroke of luck
Opposite loss, setback
First meant fruit or trees blown down by the wind, free for anyone to gather.