In pawn

usgb
preposition

Being used as security or collateral for a loan.

He had to put his Rolex watch in pawn to pay off his debt.
Visual representation of "in pawn" - Being used as security or collateral for a loan

Often appears as...

  • put in pawn
  • held in pawn

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "in pawn"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Financial Distress

Indicates when someone is in a difficult financial situation and needs to use their valuables to borrow money.

Illustration for Financial Distress
After losing his job, he had his car in pawn within a month.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Temporary Solution

Used when the item in pawn is to be reclaimed later; pawning is not usually a permanent transfer.

Illustration for Temporary Solution
She put her jewelry in pawn with plans to get it back soon.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Last Resort

Suggests that all other options have been exhausted and pawning is the final alternative.

Illustration for Last Resort
Faced with eviction, he reluctanly put his family heirlooms in pawn.
Visual representation of the word "In pawn"

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