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

For example, if a partnership earns $100,000 and allocates $50,000 apiece to its two partners, each partner may owe tax on $50,000 of income even if the partnership keeps the cash in its bank account rather than distributing it. — Nancy Ashburn, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 June 2026

There’s no doubt there will be a deluge of loyal customers vying to cash in on their oldest savings keepsake. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 June 2026

Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks While Robertson and Dorofeyev are both in line for career-defining third deals, there are a handful of players looking to cash in on their second contracts. — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Meta’s app would leverage existing Instagram and Facebook users, using a points system but possibly real cash in the future. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 23 June 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