The phrase "down to last penny" is used to describe a situation where someone has no money left. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward, with every letter sounding as it would in the English alphabet. The pronunciation of the word "penny" is /ˈpɛni/, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. The phrase has been in use since at least the mid-19th century, and it remains a common expression today. When someone is down to their last penny, they are in a difficult financial situation and may need to find a way to make ends meet.
The phrase "down to the last penny" is an idiom used to describe a financial situation where one is left with no money or resources whatsoever. It implies that all available funds have been exhausted and there is no further means of payment or financial assistance. The idiom originates from the concept of a penny, the smallest unit of currency, representing the entirety of one's monetary reserves.
When someone is "down to the last penny," it suggests a state of extreme financial deprivation or destitution, emphasizing that not even the smallest denomination of money remains. This condition usually arises from a series of unfortunate events, such as significant and unexpected expenses, or mismanagement of finances.
To be "down to the last penny" is to be in a precarious situation, wherein any further financial demands or emergencies may plunge one into deeper financial turmoil or even bankruptcy. The idiom underscores the concept of financial insolvency and denotes a state of complete resource depletion, leaving an individual with little to no options for meeting their expenses or obligations.
In summary, the phrase "down to the last penny" describes a circumstance in which a person has exhausted all of their monetary resources, emphasizing the severity of their financial situation and the lack of any remaining funds to rely on.