cash in hand

With a cash payment, as opposed to using a check. You need to pay them cash in hand—they don't accept checks. Oh, I was hoping to pay with a check. If cash in hand is the only option, well, then, I guess I'll be on my way. I have to pay for this piece of furniture cash in hand? Well, I don't have $1,000 in my bank account right now, so what am I supposed to do?

cash in hand

payment for goods and services by money in the form of notes and coins.

Cash in hand is mainly used to distinguish between cash payment and payment by cheque, especially with reference to being paid in this way in order to avoid having to declare the amount earned to the tax authorities.

ˌcash in ˈhand

(British English, informal) if you pay for goods and services cash in hand, you pay in cash, especially so that the person being paid can avoid paying tax on the amount: Most of his customers pay him cash in hand.