Learn English Logo

English In Use - 'Cash and Grab'

A selection of headlines from stories in the news. They use English in a way that you might think is intended to confuse but its all perfectly clear to the native speaker.

The headline "Cash and Grab" in the Sun, is part of their "Rip off Britain" campaign.  It appears on a story about how utility companies in the UK charge more to customers who don't have their bills paid by direct debit, to the tune of £80 a year!

The headline is a play on the phrase "Smash and grab", which describes a crime that involves breaking a barrier, usually a display window in a shop or a showcase "smash", grabbing the valuables "grab", and then making a quick getaway.  They have substituted "cash" to show how they think this is a criminally high charge. 

The excuse put forward by the utility companies is that it costs more to administer an account if the customer pays by cheque or cash, but I bet it doesn't cost £80 more.

Discover more from Learn English

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram