Cash grab
Meaning: A product, event, or scheme designed primarily to make quick money with little regard for quality.
A 'cash grab' is something created solely to extract money from people — a terrible movie sequel, a low-effort product, or a scheme exploiting a trend. It implies greed and a lack of genuine effort or value.
Examples
- That sequel was a total cash grab — the story made no sense. 那部续集完全就是圈钱的——剧情完全说不通。Esa secuela fue un sacadinero total — la historia no tenía ningún sentido.あの続編は完全に金儲け目的だったよ——ストーリーも意味不明だし。그 속편은 완전 돈벌이용이었어——스토리가 말도 안 됐어.
- The company's NFT collection was an obvious cash grab. 那家公司的NFT系列明摆着就是圈钱。La colección de NFT de esa empresa fue un sacadinero descarado.あの会社のNFTコレクションは見え見えの金儲けだったね。그 회사의 NFT 컬렉션은 누가 봐도 돈벌이 수작이었어.
- These overpriced merchandise bundles are such a cash grab. 这些天价周边套装简直就是赤裸裸的圈钱。Estos packs de merchandising a precios inflados son un sacadinero total.このぼったくりグッズバンドルは完全に金儲け目的だよ。이 바가지 굿즈 번들은 완전 돈벌이 수작이야.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: consumer criticism, entertainment reviews, social media
Tone: critical, dismissive
✓ Do Say
- That movie was a cash grab.那部电影就是圈钱的。Esa película fue un sacadinero.あの映画は金儲け目的だったね。그 영화는 완전 돈벌이용이었어.
- It's just a cash grab.这不过是圈钱罢了。Es solo un sacadinero.ただの金儲けだよ。그건 그냥 돈벌이 수작이야.
✗ Don't Say
- Always negative — calling something a 'cash grab' is a strong accusation of greed and low quality永远是贬义——说某样东西是'cash grab'等于严厉指控对方贪婪且质量低劣Siempre negativo — llamar a algo 'cash grab' es una acusación fuerte de avaricia y baja calidad常にネガティブな意味——「cash grab」と呼ぶのは強欲と低品質への強い非難항상 부정적인 뜻이다 — 'cash grab'이라고 부르는 것은 탐욕과 낮은 품질에 대한 강한 비난
Origin & History
American expression from the 1970s-80s, originally used in entertainment to describe low-quality sequels or products made purely for profit. Became more common with internet culture and consumer awareness.
Cultural Context
Era: 1970s onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Money & Hustle
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free