Meaning of cold hard cash | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.
   idiomatic, uncountable
2. Money in the form of banknotes and coins as opposed to electronic money, credit, and checks.
   idiomatic, uncountable
3. Ready money.
   idiomatic, uncountable
4. Money in the form of specie, as contrasted with paper money.
   archaic, idiomatic, uncountable

Examples

“The study found that appeals to altruism had limits in changing people's behavior, whereas cold hard cash was somewhat more effective.”

“The locals laughed when asked about forms of payment at the barber shop. "No credit cards, no checks — just cold hard cash!"”

“The company had produced several millionaires, but they were illiquid, with not nearly as much cold hard cash as nonrich people might tend to imagine.”

“As the war dragged on, greybacks became difficult to spend, as many sellers were taking only cold hard cash.”

CEFR level