cash in
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
to exchange something like a cheque, a ticket, or an investment for its value in actual money.
to convert a non-cash asset, such as a bond, insurance policy, or casino chips, into liquid currency.
Simple“He decided to cash in his savings bonds to pay for the new car.”
In context“After a successful night at the poker table, she went to the cage to cash in her chips before leaving the casino.”
UsageOften takes a direct object (transitive), but can be used without one in gambling contexts.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
to use a lucky situation or a popular trend to make money or get an advantage.
to exploit or capitalize on a current situation, trend, or reputation for personal or financial gain.
Simple“The company is trying to cash in on the current craze for vintage clothing.”
In context“Several former athletes attempted to cash in on their Olympic fame by signing lucrative endorsement deals with sports brands.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'on'.
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a very informal way to say that someone has died.
a slang euphemism for death, derived from the gambling metaphor of settling one's final account.
Simple“The old outlaw finally cashed in his chips at the age of ninety.”
In context“In the gritty noir novel, the protagonist narrowly avoids cashing in during a shootout in the rain-slicked alleyway.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is highly informal and can be seen as disrespectful; it is best avoided in serious or sympathetic contexts.
Synonyms
distinguish between the literal financial sense (cashing in a bond) and the more cynical figurative sense (cashing in on someone's fame).
- liquidate
- capitalize on
- exploit
- make a profit
- invest
- lose out
- Particles
- in
- Separability
- optional
- Pattern
- cash + (object) + in + (on + object)