# cash in on

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cash-in-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to take advantage of a situation to make money or get a benefit, often in a way that seems unfair.

For teachers: to exploit a specific situation, trend, or event for personal gain, typically financial; often carries a pejorative connotation of opportunism.

## Examples

- Some companies try to cash in on the latest health trends.
- The local shops are cashing in on the thousands of tourists visiting for the festival.
- While the technology was originally intended for public safety, several private firms quickly moved to cash in on the lucrative data-mining opportunities it presented.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They cashed on the opportunity." but "They cashed in on the opportunity." — both 'in' and 'on' are required to form this specific phrasal verb.

## Usage notes

- always followed by the situation or event being exploited.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'take advantage of' which can be neutral; 'cash in on' almost always implies a selfish or purely commercial motive.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.