flash for cash
Pertaining to a scam where a motorist flashes their headlights to indicate to another driver to proceed against normal give-way rules, then runs into them and sues for damages.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Be careful of drivers who flash for cash at intersections.”
“He loses his license for trying to flash for cash on a busy road.”
“The police warned residents about a dangerous scam where criminals flash for cash to cause intentional accidents.”
“My insurance premium increased significantly after I fell victim to a driver who decided to flash for cash while I was pulling out of the supermarket.”
“Investigators identified a sophisticated insurance fraud ring that utilized the flash for cash tactic to exploit unsuspecting motorists at busy junctions.”
The term originates from the British driving practice of flashing one's headlights to signal that another motorist may proceed, combined with the noun cash. It describes a staged motor accident intended to facilitate a fraudulent insurance claim. A secondary sense derives from the flash of a camera's light, indicating the receipt of payment for being photographed.
- 01
cash in one's chips
To discontinue an activity, accepting whatever gains or losses one has incurred; to give up.
- 02
cash on the barrelhead
Money in the form of paper currency or coins, paid immediately at the time and place of a transaction: cash only (no credit), and at the point of sale.
- 03
cash up
to count the money taken by a business at the end of the day.
- 04
cashed up
Rich; having a high income; suddenly in possession of a large amount of money.
- 05
cold cash
Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
- 06
cold hard cash
Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
- 07
flash back
To recall or remember something; to experience a flashback.
- 08
flash the cash
To spend money, especially in an ostentatious manner; to pay up.
Last updated August 10, 2026