mendigar, pedir emprestado, obter por mendicância
1. to ask for or obtain something without paying for it; to beg or request something from someone, typically money or food
He cadged a cigarette from his friend.
Ele pediu um cigarro emprestado do seu amigo.
2. to obtain by begging or borrowing repeatedly; to impose upon someone's generosity
She was always cadging meals from neighbors.
Ela estava sempre pedindo refeições aos vizinhos.
3. to work as a cadger; to make a living by begging or obtaining things dishonestly
In his youth, he cadged around the city.
Na sua juventude, ele andava mendigando pela cidade.
The term 'cadge' is primarily British English and somewhat archaic in modern usage. In Brazil and Portugal, speakers typically use more direct terms like 'pedir emprestado' (to ask to borrow) or 'mendigar' (to beg). In the United States, 'mooch' or 'panhandle' are more commonly used synonyms. The word carries a slightly derogatory connotation, suggesting repeated or shameless asking.
NYC Slang
mooch, beg off, hustle
Related Idioms & Phrases
cadge a light - pedir fogo para cigarro
cadge off someone - tirar proveito da generosidade de alguém
cadging a ride - conseguir uma carona pedindo
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