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cash in

B1 informal separable both
In simple words

To turn something into money, or to use a situation to get an advantage.

Literal meaning: To hand something in and receive cash in return — like exchanging casino chips for money.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To exchange something (such as savings bonds, chips, or a voucher) for its cash value.

"He decided to cash in his savings bonds to pay for the repairs."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

(cash in on) To exploit a situation, trend, or someone's success for personal gain.

"Several companies tried to cash in on the fitness trend by launching overpriced protein shakes."

"Everybody wants to cash in on the World Cup."

— The Guardian, 2014 (on businesses exploiting the FIFA World Cup)
Grammar: inseparable
3 C1 idiomatic informal

(informal, euphemistic) To die. Usually in the expression 'cash in one's chips.'

"The old gangster finally cashed in his chips at the age of ninety."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

'Cash in on' (with 'on') is used for taking advantage of a situation. Without 'on,' it means converting chips, bonds, or insurance policies into cash. The phrase 'cash in one's chips' also informally means to die.

Commonly used with

chips bonds savings opportunity success fame

Forms

Base
cash in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cashes in
he/she/it
Past simple
cashed in
yesterday
Past participle
cashed in
have + pp
-ing form
cashing in
continuous

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Synonyms

encash redeem capitalise on exploit profit from take advantage of

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