English Lexicon

Readies

/ˈrɛdiz/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Money, especially cash, that is readily available for use.

    "He always keeps a few readies on hand for emergencies."
  2. 2

    A slang term for cash, particularly in British English.

    "After selling his old car, he had a nice sum of readies to spend."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'readies' is derived from the word 'ready', which comes from the Old English 'ræde', meaning 'prepared' or 'ready'. The plural form 'readies' has been used in British slang since the mid-20th century to refer to cash or money, reflecting a shift in meaning from general preparedness to financial readiness.

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