1. slang To be wealthy, especially unexpectedly. You'll be in the money once you get the inheritance that Aunt Louise promised you.Thanks to that huge court settlement, I'm in the money now.
2. To finish a race in first, second, or third place. The phrase likely comes from horse racing, in which the top three finishers win prize money. I've been training for months because I'm determined to be in the money at the end of this race.