Flush with cash
Meaning
To have a large amount of money readily available or at one's disposal.
Origin
The vivid imagery of 'flush with cash' draws from the word 'flush,' which has long signified abundance and fullness. This sense first prominently appeared in card games as early as the 16th century, where a 'flush' describes a hand of cards all of the same suit, representing a complete, plentiful, and often winning collection. This idea of being 'full to the brim' or 'overflowing' naturally extended to other areas of life. By the early 20th century, the phrase became common, perfectly capturing the sensation of having a significant, readily available supply of money, much like a river at high tide or a gambler holding a perfect hand.
Examples
- After selling his startup, Mark was flush with cash and immediately bought a luxurious new car.
- The company found itself flush with cash after a successful product launch, allowing them to invest heavily in future development.