a smash hit

smash hit

A huge, widespread success. Usually said of entertainment media, such as books, films, plays, songs, etc. After the smash hit of her first novel, Mary was under a lot of pressure for her second effort to be just as successful. The band had been slowly gaining popularity over the years, but it wasn't until their smash hit in 1987 that they hit the mainstream.
See also: hit, smash
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a ˌsmash ˈhit

(informal) (of a record, play or film/movie) very popular and a great success: Still at number one, it’s The Rubber Band, with their smash hit, ‘Love me’. The actress Donna May has been in 15 Broadway smash hits.
See also: hit, smash
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • smash hit
  • all to smash
  • smash
  • make (one) sit up and take notice
  • sit up and take notice
  • sit up and take notice, to (make someone)
  • strike (someone or something) with (something)
  • strike with
  • tricken
  • tricken with