front money

[ fruhnt muhn-ee ]

noun

1. money paid in advance, as for goods or services, to a commission agent or the like.
2. capital necessary to begin a business enterprise.
3. Also called ad·vance fee [ad-, vans, fee]. money furnished by a company to a financier under a promise to procure funds for it.

Word History and Origins

Origin of front money¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Bobby was angry that he was not being given any “up front” money.

From Literature

Taxi services have been tapping into their reserves or getting loans to front money to drivers.

From Los Angeles Times

With front money market yields so low – in some cases on the cusp of falling below zero -- investors have opted to place cash with the Fed’s reverse repurchase facility, which pays zero interest rates.

From Reuters

“They are having to front money for federal programs. They can’t run deficits like the federal government. They’re on tight budgets, and it’s not like they have a lot of money lying around.”

From Washington Post

At the entrance to the theater, American Express has sponsored a selfie-friendly wall display of blue hats with block letters on the front: “Money Manager,” “Hype Person,” “CEOOOOO,” “Master Motivator.”

From New York Times