OpenSynonym

cadge

/kædʒ/

VERB

1. To obtain something by begging or asking persistently

To get something, especially food, money, or favors, by asking other people, often repeatedly or without intending to pay.

1.1. Begging for money, food, or favors

To obtain something from someone by begging, pleading, or making persistent requests.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • He tried to cadge a free meal from his neighbors.
  • She often cadges small amounts of money from her friends.

Related Words

1.2. Obtaining something through persuasion or cleverness

To manage to get something, such as a ride, invitation, or opportunity, by using persuasion, charm, or a clever excuse.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • forfeit
  • surrender
  • relinquish

Examples

  • He managed to cadge a ride to the airport from a passing acquaintance.
  • She somehow cadged an invitation to the private reception.

Related Words

VERB

2. To live at another person's expense

To depend on another person for food, money, or accommodation without making a fair contribution.

2.1. Living by relying on others

To obtain one's living or necessities by taking advantage of another person's generosity rather than supporting oneself.

Synonyms

  • freeload
  • sponge
  • mooch
  • bum

Antonyms

  • provide for oneself
  • self-support
  • contribute

Examples

  • He spent months cadging off his relatives instead of finding a job.
  • They accused him of cadging meals and accommodation from his friends.

Related Words

VERB

3. To carry or transport something

To carry or bear something, particularly in historical or specialized usage.

3.1. Carrying a load

To carry or transport an object or burden from one place to another.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The historical account describes workers who cadged heavy loads across the grounds.

Related Words