Definition & Meaning of "[make] {one's} day"

What is the origin of the idiom "make one's day" and when to use it?

The idiom "make one's day" gained popularity and became widely known through its usage in the 1983 movie "Sudden Impact," part of the Dirty Harry film series. This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations, informal interactions, and in popular culture references. It can be invoked when someone receives a pleasant surprise, a thoughtful gesture, a compliment, or experiences a positive outcome, such as achieving a personal goal or receiving good news.