An informal idiom with two main meanings:
- 1. To die.
- 2. To give up, quit, concede defeat, or exchange something for its final value (like converting casino chips to money).
Both meanings imply finality.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes directly from gambling, especially casino games like poker or roulette.
- When a player finishes gambling, they take their accumulated chips to the cashier ('cage') to cash in – exchange them for money.
- This act of ending participation and settling the score was metaphorically extended to mean quitting an endeavor or, ultimately, ending one's life ('cashing in' life's experiences).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal (Give up/Quit):
- Throw in the towel
- Pack it in / Jack it in (UK)
- Call it quits / Call it a day
- Bail (out)
- Cut bait (stop trying)
Slang/Informal (Die):
- See Kick the bucket, Buy the farm, Bite the dust.
- Check out / Punch one's ticket
Formal (Give up/Quit):
- Resign / Withdraw / Cease / Concede / Terminate
Formal (Die):
- Die / Pass away / Decease / Expire
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal.
- The give up/quit meaning is common in business, project management, or general discussion about ending an effort.
- The die meaning can sound somewhat callous, flippant, or dated, similar to kick the bucket. Avoid using it for recent or sensitive deaths.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The primary, non-idiomatic meaning relates to gambling. The give up meaning is a common extension. The die meaning is also idiomatic and less frequent than the others. Context is key.
- Using the die meaning inappropriately can cause offense due to its informal and potentially detached tone.
Examples
- (Die) He battled cancer for years before finally cashing in his chips.
- (Die) Guess old man Hemlock finally cashed in his chips. (Can sound informal/callous)
- (Give up/Quit) After losing the key investor, they decided to cash in their chips and close the company.
- (Give up/Quit) I'm tired of this project; I think it's time to cash in my chips.
- (Exchange) He cashed in his chips for $500 and left the casino. (Literal gambling context)
Dialogue
Scenario 1 (Quit):
A: This startup just isn't working out. I think it's time we cashed in our chips.
B: Are you sure? Maybe we could pivot?
A: No, I'm done. Let's cut our losses.
Scenario 2 (Die):
C: Heard about Fred? Cashed in his chips last Tuesday.
D: Yeah, saw the obituary. Shame. He was quite a character.
Social Media Examples
- Post (Quit): After 5 years on this project, I'm finally cashing in my chips and moving on to something new! #careerchange #movingon
- Forum Comment (Investing): Market looks too risky right now, think I'll cash in my chips and wait on the sidelines. #investing #stockmarket
- (Die sense is rare and potentially insensitive on social media unless used very carefully, e.g., historically).
Response Patterns
- Die: Condolences (I'm sorry to hear that), acknowledgement (Sad news), potentially surprise depending on context.
- Give up/Quit: Agreement (Probably wise), disagreement (Don't give up!), questions (Why now?), wishing well (Good luck with what's next).
- Gambling: Neutral acknowledgement (Nice win! / Better luck next time).
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Die: Express sympathy, perhaps ask gently about circumstances if appropriate.
- Give up/Quit: Ask about the reasons, future plans, or consequences.
- Gambling: Ask about the game, the amount won/lost.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes an action (quitting) or an event (dying).
Intonation
- Can vary: matter-of-fact, resigned, slightly cynical, or decisive (when quitting).
- Stress falls on cash and chips. Cash in his chips.
Generation Differences
- Generally understood across generations, especially the give up meaning. The die meaning might be used or recognized more by older generations or those familiar with gambling/poker culture.
Regional Variations
- Common in most English-speaking regions, perhaps slightly more prevalent in American English due to casino/poker associations.