smart money

noun

1. money invested or wagered by experienced investors or bettors.
2. such knowledgeable investors or bettors.
3. Law. punitive or exemplary damages.

smart money

noun

1. 1. money bet or invested by experienced gamblers or investors, esp with inside information
   2. the gamblers or investors themselves
2. money paid in order to extricate oneself from an unpleasant situation or agreement, esp from military service
3. money paid by an employer to someone injured while working for him
4. law damages awarded to a plaintiff where the wrong was aggravated by fraud, malice, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of smart money¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

But until recently, the smart money was on both Israel and Hezbollah avoiding full escalation.

From BBC

“Most go into college or the workforce without any knowledge of personal finance.... Taking a finance class in high school can help students make smart money decisions that will benefit them throughout their adult life.”

From Los Angeles Times

The smart money will be on Rooney itching for a return to the game before too long, but who will take the risk after his dismal failure at Birmingham City?

From BBC

He has won the Europa League four times - three with Sevilla, one with Villarreal - and some smart money will be on him winning the Europa Conference League with Villa this season.

From BBC

The smart money says: If Trump’s on the ballot, he sucks up all the oxygen.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• asset
• contribution
• expenditure
• expense
• finance
• financing
• grant
• loan
• money
• property
• purchase
• stake
• transaction
• venture