ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cash in

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

phr. v.. to exchange something for its value in money, or to take advantage of a situation to make a profit.

phr. v.. to convert an asset or investment into liquid currency; figuratively, to exploit a specific opportunity for personal or financial gain.


SIMPLE

He decided to cash in his stocks while the price was high.

CONTEXTUAL

Many local businesses are trying to cash in on the sudden influx of tourists during the summer festival.

COMPLEX

The former minister was accused of attempting to cash in on his political connections by accepting a lucrative consultancy role immediately after leaving office.

Particles
in
Separability
optional
Pattern
cash + (object) + in + (on + object)
Usage

often used with the preposition 'on' when referring to exploiting a situation or trend.

Teaching tip

distinguish between the literal financial sense (cashing in a bond) and the more cynical figurative sense (cashing in on someone's fame).

Pitfall

They cashed in the opportunity.They cashed in on the opportunity.when you profit from a situation, you must use the preposition 'on' after the phrase.

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