to dredge up; to scoop up from the water; to fish for; to gain (by improper means)

(slang) gold digger; woman who pursues men for money

to get one's money back (esp. gambling); to recoup one's losings

lit. to dredge for money; to make money by reprehensible means; to fish for a quick buck

to profiteer; to gain some underhand advantage

encumbrance; burden; that awful thing (colloquial); nuisance

to make extra money

(coll.) to gain profit (usu. by underhand means)

(fig.) to clutch at straws (in desperation); to take advantage of the situation (unscrupulously)