Definition of "cold hard cash" in English

Noun

1. Money, regarded as an incentive that can override any doubts or ethical concerns.

   • The study found that appeals to altruism had limits in changing people's behavior, whereas cold hard cash was somewhat more effective.

2. Money in the form of banknotes and coins as opposed to electronic money, credit, and checks.

   • The locals laughed when asked about forms of payment at the barber shop. "No credit cards, no checks — just cold hard cash!"

3. Ready money.

   • The company had produced several millionaires, but they were illiquid, with not nearly as much cold hard cash as nonrich people might tend to imagine.

4. Money in the form of specie, as contrasted with paper money.

   • As the war dragged on, greybacks became difficult to spend, as many sellers were taking only cold hard cash.