smart money

American  

noun

1. money invested or wagered by experienced investors or bettors.

2. such knowledgeable investors or bettors.

3. Law. punitive or exemplary damages.

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smart money British  

noun

1. 1. money bet or invested by experienced gamblers or investors, esp with inside information

   2. the gamblers or investors themselves

2. money paid in order to extricate oneself from an unpleasant situation or agreement, esp from military service

3. money paid by an employer to someone injured while working for him

4. law damages awarded to a plaintiff where the wrong was aggravated by fraud, malice, etc

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Etymology

Origin of smart money

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

But for the first time, it’s starting to look like smart money isn’t laughing at the idea anymore — it’s quietly sliding chips across the table.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Those trades are often closely watched by market participants seeking to track the so-called smart money.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

If he is going to move clear of Australia's Margaret Court in terms of all-time major victories, the smart money goes on Djokovic doing it at Melbourne Park.

From BBC • Jan. 27, 2026

It launches on Jan. 27 and will help you make one smart money move every week.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

Without question, then, in a race between an ostrich, a wolf, a racehorse, and a middle-aged housekeeper in tip-top shape, the smart money would be on the ostrich.

From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• asset
• contribution
• expenditure
• expense
• finance
• financing
• grant
• loan
• money
• property
• purchase
• stake
• transaction
• venture