Phrasal verb
cash in
Definitions
01exchange for money
B2 · Upper Intermediate
phr.v. to exchange something like a cheque, a ticket, or an investment for its value in actual money.
phr.v. to convert a non-cash asset, such as a bond, insurance policy, or casino chips, into liquid currency.
“He decided to cash in his savings bonds to pay for the new car.”
“After a successful night at the poker table, she went to the cage to cash in her chips before leaving the casino.”
Usage
Often takes a direct object (transitive), but can be used without one in gambling contexts.
Antonyms
02to profit from a situation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
phr.v. to use a lucky situation or a popular trend to make money or get an advantage.
phr.v. to exploit or capitalize on a current situation, trend, or reputation for personal or financial gain.
“The company is trying to cash in on the current craze for vintage clothing.”
“Several former athletes attempted to cash in on their Olympic fame by signing lucrative endorsement deals with sports brands.”
Usage
Usually followed by the preposition 'on'.
Synonyms
03to die
C2 · Proficiency Slang · Informal
phr.v. a very informal way to say that someone has died.
phr.v. a slang euphemism for death, derived from the gambling metaphor of settling one's final account.
“The old outlaw finally cashed in his chips at the age of ninety.”
“In the gritty noir novel, the protagonist narrowly avoids cashing in during a shootout in the rain-slicked alleyway.”
Teaching tip
This sense is highly informal and can be seen as disrespectful; it is best avoided in serious or sympathetic contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cash in” in context.
Verb
01. cash in an insurance policy
“They had to cash in their life insurance policy early to pay for the emergency repairs.”
verb + noun
02. cash in on the popularity
“Many companies are trying to cash in on the popularity of electric scooters.”
verb + prep + noun
03. cash in on the trend
“Local businesses were quick to cash in on the tourism trend during the summer festival.”
verb + prep + noun
04. cash in your chips
“After a successful night at the casino, he decided to cash in his chips and go home.”
verb + possessive + noun
05. eagerly cash in
“Investors eagerly cashed in when the stock price reached an all-time high.”
adv + verb
Noun
06. attempt to cash in
“The studio's attempt to cash in on the sequel was criticized by fans of the original movie.”
noun + infinitive
07. opportunity to cash in
“The athlete didn't want to miss the opportunity to cash in on his Olympic success.”
noun + infinitive
Teaching tip
distinguish between the literal financial sense (cashing in a bond) and the more cynical figurative sense (cashing in on someone's fame).
Phrasal verb
Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
cash + (object) + in + (on + object)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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