noun
the almighty dollar; money rules everything
Idiomatic expression meaning that money has ultimate power; often used critically or cynically.
この世の中、黄金万能だと思う人も多い。
Many people think that money rules the world.
彼は黄金万能の考え方に染まっている。
He is steeped in the belief that money is everything.
金次第 means 'depending on money' and is more neutral, while 黄金万能 carries a stronger critical tone about money's absolute power.
Compound of 黄金 (gold, money) and 万能 (all-powerful, omnipotent). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely arose as a critical phrase reflecting the idea that money can accomplish anything.