What are the definitions of “cash in on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Benefit or make money on something, especially if done unfairly.
The opposition party are CASHING IN ON the government's unpopularity.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “cash in on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb cash in on is to take advantage of a situation to make money or gain some benefit, often in an unfair or opportunistic way. For example, it can mean profiting from a trend, exploiting a situation, or benefiting from someone else's misfortune.
What are the different verb forms of “cash in on”?
| Root Verb | cash in on |
| Third Person Singular Present | cashes in on |
| Present Participle | cashing in on |
| Simple Past | cashed in on |
| Past Participle | cashed in on |
Example
Many companies try to cash in on popular trends to increase their sales.
Example
He always cashes in on his friends' connections to get better deals.
Example
They are cashing in on the latest fashion craze by selling trendy clothes.
Example
She cashed in on the situation by selling her old car at a high price.
Example
The company had cashed in on the demand for eco-friendly products.
What kind of phrasal verb is “cash in on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“cash in on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The store cashed in on the holiday shopping season.
Example
She cashed in on her friend's connections to get a job.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“cash in on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The store cashed in on the holiday shopping season.
Example
She cashed in on her friend's connections to get a job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “cash in on”?
Cash in on a trend
To profit from a popular trend or fad.
Example
The toy company cashed in on the popularity of superhero movies by creating action figures.
Cash in on someone's misfortune
To take advantage of someone's bad luck or difficult situation for personal gain.
Example
The landlord cashed in on the tenant's desperation by raising the rent.
Cash in on an opportunity
To seize an opportunity to make money or gain some benefit.
Example
The entrepreneur cashed in on the growing demand for organic food by opening a health food store.
Good things to know
Does “cash in on” have an informal or formal tone?
Cash in on is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'profit from,' 'exploit,' or 'capitalize on' may be more appropriate.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “cash in on”?
Synonyms
- exploit
- profit from
- capitalize on
- take advantage of
- benefit from
- make the most of
- leverage
- utilize
Antonyms
- miss out on
- overlook
- ignore
- neglect
- squander
- waste
- lose out on
- fail to capitalize on
