on the cuff
Without immediate payment
On the cuff means on credit, without immediate payment: He put the drinks on the cuff.
The phrase evokes an era when bartenders or shopkeepers might jot down debts on their shirt cuffs.
It can also mean unofficial or off the record, though this sense is less common than its credit meaning.
- IOUWritten debt acknowledgment
- ledgerFinancial record book
- loanBorrowed money repaid later
- in arrearsOwing overdue money
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
tally · tab · bar tab · payback · settle up · debt · chalkboard · collateral · quill pen · repayment · promissory note · bookkeeping · overdraft · installment · interest · cash-strapped · freebie · buy now pay later
payment timing
on the cuffcash on the barrelhead
Payment in full immediately
prepaid · cash in hand · C.O.D. · cash on delivery · on the spot