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

• abuse
• capitalize (on)
• exploit
• impose (on or upon)
• leverage
• milk
• pimp
• play (on or upon)
• use
• work

Examples of cash in in a Sentence

some observers thought the lawyers were cashing in on the tragedy

Recent Examples on the Web

The downside for investors is that high inflation also tends to slow the pace of sales, which means cashing in on high real estate values can be challenging. —Aaron Cirksena, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Viewers, including almost a billion watching on television, witness a glittering spectacle, sponsored by companies angling to cash in on New Year’s resolutions. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

Franklin, Gallatin and Goodlettsville are among the municipalities hoping to cash in after December's season of giving comes to an end. —Katie Nixon, The Tennessean, 31 Dec. 2024

The cash option is a one-time, lump-sum payment equal to all the cash in the jackpot prize pool. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

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