Cold hard cash Meaning in English
expression
ˈkoʊɫd/ /ˈhɑɹd/ /ˈkæʃ
KOHLD HARD KASH
kˈəʊld/ /hˈɑːd/ /kˈæʃ
KOHLD HAHD KASH
Definition
Physical money, like bills and coins, that you can hold and spend immediately, not checks or digital payments.
Usage & Nuances
Informal or semi-formal—emphasizes real, tangible money, often used in business, sales, or when cash payment makes a difference. Phrases: 'pay in cold hard cash', 'want cold hard cash'. Not for electronic forms of money.
Spanish: dinero en efectivo (físico)Portuguese (BR): dinheiro vivo - dinheiro em espéciePortuguese (PT): dinheiro vivo - dinheiro em numerárioChinese (Simplified): 现金（实打实的钱）Chinese (Traditional): 現金（實打實的錢）Hindi: नकद पैसाArabic: نقود نقديةBengali: নগদ টাকা - খাঁটি নগদRussian: наличные деньги - живые деньгиJapanese: 現金 - 現ナマVietnamese: tiền mặt - tiền tươiKorean: 현금 - 생돈Turkish: nakit para - peşin paraUrdu: نقدی رقم - کیشIndonesian: uang tunai - uang cash
Example Sentences
The store only accepts cold hard cash.
basic
He paid the rent with cold hard cash.
basic
I need cold hard cash to buy this car.
basic
They offered me a better deal if I brought cold hard cash.
natural
Some vendors still prefer cold hard cash over cards.
natural
You want the job done fast? Bring cold hard cash.
natural