cash out

1. To sell an asset in exchange for money, often during times of hardship. I had so many legal expenses that I had to cash out by selling my house and moving into a studio apartment. My accountant says I have to cash out if I want to keep the business afloat for a little longer. A: "You really cashed out by selling your old engagement ring?" B: "It's the only thing I had to sell! How else would I put food on the table until I get a new job?"

2. To count the money that a business has earned at the end of the business day. Your shift was over an hour ago, so you guys go on home—I'll cash out. Why don't these figures match up? Who cashed out last night? I have to cash out, so I'm going to be a little late getting home from work, honey.

3. To pursue a simpler or calmer lifestyle, often by changing one's job or retiring from work altogether. Come on, you're 70 years old! It's time for you to cash out and spend more time at your vacation home. A: "I'd love to cash out and move to the beach and never work again." B: "Yeah, good luck doing that at only 30 years old." After 20 years, I had to cash out of show business—the long, chaotic days had just become too much.

4. To withdrawal funds from a bank or retirement account, perhaps depleting it. Sheila had saved so much money over the years that she finally cashed out and moved to an island. You're too young to cash out your 401(k) without incurring penalties. A: "Do you seriously need a Lamborghini?" B: "Why save money if not to cash out and make a splashy purchase every now and again?"

5. To exchange one's chips (small discs used to represent money in some betting games, like poker) for money after gambling. You should cash out now while you're ahead, before you start losing again. I think I'm going to quit while I'm ahead and cash out. A: "I can't believe I lost so much money in just a few rounds of poker." B: "Dude, you've gotta learn when to cash out."

6. To pay someone in exchange for something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "cash" and "out." Great job with the landscaping—let me cash you out. I have to cash out the babysitter and drive her home. If you rendered services to someone, they're supposed to cash you out.

cash out

1. To count the money made by a business at the end of the day: When the last customer leaves the store, the owner locks the doors and cashes out.

2. To sell some asset in order to have access to cash: Some farmers are tempted to cash out by selling their valuable land.

cash someone out

tv. to pay someone (off). Come on, cash me out. I did the job. I want to go home.