strapped for cash

USAGE SUMMARY

'strapped for cash' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone or a group who have very little money, and so are unable to purchase the things they need. For example: "Since I lost my job, I've been strapped for cash and haven't been able to treat myself to anything nice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am strapped for cash".

Independent

Also strapped for cash.

The Guardian

Now the government is strapped for cash.

The Economist

Strapped for cash this Christmas?

The Guardian - Money

"Everybody is strapped for cash".

The Guardian

"People are either actually strapped for cash or very fearful of being strapped for cash.

The Guardian

They were in love, and "strapped for cash".

The New York Times

Municipalities typically sign up because they are strapped for cash.

The Economist

corruption-beset government remains perpetually strapped for cash.

The New York Times

But CCTV does not seem strapped for cash.

The Economist

Many traditional American universities are strapped for cash.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strapped for cash" to describe a temporary or ongoing situation where someone or an organization has limited funds. It effectively conveys a sense of financial constraint without being overly dramatic.

Common error

While "strapped for cash" is a common idiom, avoid using it repeatedly in the same piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "short of money" or "low on funds" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strapped for cash" functions as an adjective phrase describing a state of financial difficulty or scarcity. As Ludwig suggests, it indicates a lack of available funds. This expression adds a descriptive layer to a noun, illustrating its current financial condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strapped for cash" is a very common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe someone or something experiencing financial difficulties. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates a lack of funds. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase carries a neutral register and serves to inform or explain financial constraints. If you are looking for alternatives, consider "short of money" or "cash-strapped". When writing, be mindful of overuse and ensure your choice aligns with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cash-strapped

Similar meaning but uses a compound adjective, implying a state of financial constraint.

short of money

Indicates a temporary lack of funds; less intense than "strapped for cash".

low on funds

A more general term for having insufficient money available.

facing financial difficulties

More formal and broader, referring to general money problems.

in dire financial straits

Indicates a severe lack of money and a difficult financial situation.

broke

Informal term for having no money at all.

hard up

British slang for being short of money.

penniless

More dramatic, suggesting complete lack of money.

in the red

Implies owing money or having a negative balance.

financially challenged

A euphemistic way of saying someone is having money problems.

FAQs

How can I use "strapped for cash" in a sentence?

You can use "strapped for cash" to describe someone or an entity facing a temporary or prolonged shortage of funds. For example: "Due to unexpected medical bills, I'm currently "strapped for cash"." Or, "The local library is "strapped for cash" and may have to reduce its operating hours".

What is a less common alternative to "strapped for cash"?

Alternatives to "strapped for cash" include "low on funds", "cash-strapped", or "facing financial difficulties". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "strapped of cash" instead of "strapped for cash"?

No, the correct idiom is "strapped for cash". Using "of" instead of "for" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "strapped for cash" and "broke"?

"Strapped for cash" implies a temporary or ongoing shortage of money, while "broke" usually means having absolutely no money at all. "Broke" is also more informal.