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."
separable
cash in
B1 informal separable transitive/intransitive
To exchange something for its cash value, or to exploit an opportunity for personal gain.
In plain English
To turn something into money, or to use a situation to get an advantage.
What does "cash in" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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)
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To hand something in and receive cash in return — like exchanging casino chips for money.
Actually means
To turn something into money, or to use a situation to get an advantage.
Usage tip
'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.
Words that pair with "cash in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
chips bonds savings opportunity success fame
How to conjugate "cash in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "cash in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cash in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "cash in"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
capitalise on encash exploit profit from redeem take advantage of
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