Meaning and usage of the word “Cash” in English

“Cash” is one of the key terms in the English language, especially in the context of finance and everyday transactions. Derived from the French word “caisse,” meaning “box” or “vault,” it has several important meanings and applications in modern English:

• Currency: The most common meaning of “cash” is physical money, i.e., coins and banknotes. Example: “Do you accept cash or only card payments?”
• Cash payment: Often used to indicate a method of payment. Example: “We’re offering a 5% discount for cash purchases.”
• Money in general: In colloquial language, it can mean money in any form. Example: “He’s always short on cash at the end of the month.”
• Conversion to cash: As a verb, “to cash” means to exchange something for ready money. Example: “I need to cash this cheque at the bank.”
• In phrasal verbs: “Cash” is part of many phrasal verbs that have specific meanings in financial contexts.

Understanding the various aspects of using the word “cash” is crucial for effective communication in English-speaking environments, especially in situations related to finance and business. In the following sections, we will examine in detail the phrasal verbs formed with the word “cash,” which will enrich your vocabulary and help you better navigate the English-speaking financial world.

Phrasal verbs with “Cash”

Cash in (on something)

• Meaning: To take advantage of something for profit or benefit.
• Meaning: Used when referring to exchanging stocks, bonds, casino chips, etc. for cash.
• Example: He cashed in on his investments before the market crashed.
• Example: She decided to cash in her casino chips after a lucky streak.

Cash out

• Meaning: To exchange something for cash or exit an investment.
• Example: They decided to cash out their shares while the stock price was still high.

Cash up

• Meaning: To count money, usually at the end of a workday or shift.
• Example: At the end of the shift, they cashed up the till and closed the store.

Cash in (something)

• Meaning: To exchange checks, coupons, or gift certificates for cash.
• Example: She cashed in her savings bonds to pay for her tuition.

Cash in on

• Meaning: To take advantage of an opportunity for profit or gain, especially if done unethically or unfairly.
• Example: The company tried to cash in on the new trend by releasing a similar product.
• Example: He tried to cash in on his father’s connections to get a job.

Additional phrases with “cash”

Cash advance

• Meaning: To obtain cash on credit, usually through a credit card.
• Example: He had to get a cash advance to cover his unexpected expenses.

Cash in one’s chips

• Meaning: (idiom) To die or to give up on something.
• Example: After years of struggling with the business, he finally decided to cash in his chips and retire.

Cash flow

• Although not a phrasal verb, it’s an important term related to “cash”. Meaning: The movement of money in and out of a business.
• Example: The company’s cash flow improved significantly after implementing new financial strategies.

Exercise: Choose the correct phrasal verb with “cash” for each sentence

Options: cash in, cash out, cash up, cash in on

1. After winning the lottery, John decided to ________ his ticket immediately.
2. The store manager always asks the employees to ________ at the end of each shift.
3. Many companies tried to ________ the sudden popularity of video conferencing during the pandemic.
4. Before selling his business, the owner wanted to ________ all his investments.
5. The casino allows players to ________ their chips at any time during their visit.
6. Some influencers manage to ________ their large social media following by promoting products.
7. It’s important to ________ the register before leaving the store to ensure all transactions are accounted for.
8. The investor saw an opportunity to ________ the rising stock market by selling his shares.

Answers:

1. cash in
2. cash up
3. cash in on
4. cash out
5. cash in
6. cash in on
7. cash up
8. cash in on