hard cash

American  

noun

1. actual money as distinguished from checks or credit.

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hard cash British  

noun

1. money or payment in the form of coins or notes rather than cheques or credit

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hard cash Idioms  

1. see cold cash.

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Example Sentences

To lure top AI talent, startups are turning to cold, hard cash.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The impoverished North has moved to revive inbound tourism to earn much-needed hard cash in the face of sanctions over its nuclear programmes, developing lavish coast and mountain resorts.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

There is only emptiness: a hollow space where a heart should be, ready to be filled with cold, hard cash.

From Salon • Nov. 21, 2025

"But we need people to volunteer, we need food, and also we need cold, hard cash."

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2025

In this sweet world there's nothing sure except money—that, too, in hard cash coin.

From Gwen Wynn by Reid, Mayne