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

Political pressure is not cash in the district’s bank account. — Angel Gutierrez, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Conditions improved considerably on Monday and Pakistan cashed in and is now only 78 runs behind. — ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Dealers will also be on watch for any further word on the Treasury’s interest in potentially investing some surplus cash in the repo market. — Greg Ritchie, Fortune, 3 Aug. 2026

This is because Rodri’s contract expires on June 30, 2027, making this the last summer that the Premier League giants could hope to cash in on its captain. — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 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