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Definition 2024


cash_on_the_barrelhead

cash on the barrelhead

English

Noun

cash on the barrelhead (uncountable)

  1. (idiomatic) Money in the form of paper currency or coins, paid immediately at the time and place of a transaction.
    • 1938 Sept. 1, Charles B. Parmer, "Serial Story: Photo Finish—Twelve," Telegraph-Herald (Iowa, US), p. 11 (retrieved 23 July 2013):
      "[W]e're selling , to the highest bidder, and for cash on the barrel head. . . . Cash in hand, no checks accepted."
    • 1947 March 31, Foreign Relations: Potent Weapon, Time:
      [I]n 1946 the U.S. exported $2,166 million worth of food. . . . Most of this ($1,354 million) was paid for, cash on the barrelhead. But $628 million was the U.S. contribution to UNRRA stocks, and $184 million went through Lend-Lease.
    • 2003 Feb. 25, Paul Krugman, "Threats, Promises and Lies," New York Times (retrieved 22 July 2013):
      In return for support of an Iraq invasion, Turkey wanted—and got—immediate aid, cash on the barrelhead, rather than mere assurances about future help.

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