cash in

verb

cashed in; cashing in; cashes in

transitive verb

: to obtain cash for

cashed in the bonds

intransitive verb

1

a

: to retire from a gambling game

b

: to settle accounts and withdraw from an involvement (such as a business deal)

2

: to obtain advantage or financial profit

—often used with on

cash in on a bestseller

Synonyms of cash in

• use
• abuse
• exploit
• walk on
• leverage
• play (on or upon)
• capitalize (on)
• manipulate
• trade on
• impose (on or upon)

Examples of cash in in a Sentence

some observers thought the lawyers were cashing in on the tragedy

Recent Examples on the Web

That left the Jets with a 5-on-3 man advantage and Connor cashed in. — Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

Faced with poor sales at home, China’s automakers are cashing in seemingly everywhere outside of China. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

But just over a year ago, Wilson cashed in on a four-year, $130 million contract that keeps him locked in with the Jets through 2030. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Williams returned the pick 65 yards, but the Chiefs couldn’t cash in on the opportunity. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for cash in

• ashen
• fashion
• passion
• ration
• compassion
• internation

Kids Definition

cash in

verb

1

: to obtain cash for

cashed in her bonds

2

: to benefit financially

souvenir sellers cashed in at the fair

cashing in on their brother's fame