[countable] something that protects you against sth unpleasant that might happen起保护（或缓冲）作用的事物◆Their €59 million cash reserve should provide a comfortable cushion if their expansion plans fail.如果他们的扩张计划失败，5 900 万欧元的现金储备应该可以发挥相当大的缓冲作用。◆They need a cash cushion to survive the difficulties ahead.他们需要现金缓冲以度过前面的困难。