PENNY Meaning and
Definition
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A penny is a unit of currency used in several countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In the U.S. monetary system, a penny is equal to one cent, and it represents the smallest denomination of coin currently in circulation. Similarly, in Canada, a penny is also equivalent to one cent. It is a copper-plated zinc coin with a portrait of the reigning monarch on one side and a maple leaf on the other.
In the United Kingdom, a penny is a denomination of the British pound sterling. Historically, a penny was made from copper and later bronze, but today it is minted from copper-plated steel. The British penny features a portrait of the monarch on the obverse and various symbolic designs on the reverse. It is the lowest value coin in the British currency system.
The term "penny" is often used metaphorically to represent a small amount of money. It can also refer to the smallest increment or unit of something. Additionally, the idiom "a penny for your thoughts" is commonly used to politely ask someone what they are thinking.
Overall, a penny serves as a fundamental unit of currency in various countries, representing a small monetary value, while also having broader metaphorical and idiomatic meanings.
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The original meaning was probably a coin in general; an English copper coin, twelve of which are equal to a shilling; a small sum; money in general.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for PENNY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for PENNY
Etymology of PENNY
The English word "penny" comes from the Old English "penig", which is derived from the Germanic root "pēningaz". This word ultimately goes back to the Latin "denarius", which was a Roman silver coin. The denarius was widely used throughout the Roman Empire and has influenced many currencies and related terms across various cultures, including the British penny.
Idioms with the word PENNY
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spend a penny
The idiom "spend a penny" is a British expression used to euphemistically describe the act of using a restroom or going to the toilet. It originated from the practice of having to pay a penny to use public toilets in the past.
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be two/ten a penny
The idiom "be two/ten a penny" means that something or someone is very common, easily accessible, or not valuable or unique. It implies that there are many similar or identical things or people and they are not particularly special or rare.
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cost sb a pretty penny
The idiom "cost sb a pretty penny" means that something is very expensive or costly. It suggests that a significant amount of money has been spent or will be spent on something.
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the penny drops
The idiom "the penny drops" refers to a moment of sudden realization or understanding after a period of confusion or unawareness. It signifies that someone has finally understood or grasped something that was previously unclear or puzzling to them.
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in for a penny (in for a pound)
The idiom "in for a penny (in for a pound)" is used to express the idea that if one is already involved or committed to something, it is better to fully commit and take on the risks or costs associated with it rather than hold back or do it halfway. It suggests that once a person has made a small commitment or invested a small amount of effort or money, they might as well go all the way and commit fully, regardless of the potential consequences or additional expenses.
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penny ante
The idiom "penny ante" is used to describe something small, insignificant, or of little value. It can refer to low-stakes gambling games where only small amounts of money are wagered, but it is often used figuratively to describe anything that is trivial, unimportant, or lacking significance.
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cost a pretty penny
The idiom "cost a pretty penny" means that something is very expensive or costs a significant amount of money.
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bad penny
The idiom "bad penny" refers to a person or thing that continuously resurfaces, often unwelcome or causing trouble, regardless of efforts to get rid of them. The term implies that the individual or item keeps reappearing or turning up in a bothersome or inconvenient manner, similar to a damaged or counterfeit coin that keeps finding its way back into circulation.
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be ten/two a penny
The idiom "be ten/two a penny" means that something or someone is very common, abundant, or easy to find. It suggests that the mentioned item or person is not unique or valuable because they are readily available and can be found everywhere easily, often at a low price.
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be ten a penny
The idiom "be ten a penny" means that something or someone is very common, easily found or readily available, and therefore not unique or special. It suggests that the thing or person being referred to is not rare or valuable, but rather ordinary and unremarkable.
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a pretty penny
The idiom "a pretty penny" is used to describe a significant amount of money or a substantial expense. It refers to a considerable sum of money that might be more than expected or costly.
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be not short of a penny (or two)
The idiom "be not short of a penny (or two)" is used to describe someone who is financially well-off or wealthy. It suggests that the person has plenty of money and is not lacking in financial resources.
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a bad penny
The idiom "a bad penny" refers to a person who returns after being absent or rejected, often implying that they are unwanted or bring trouble or misfortune with them. It suggests that, metaphorically, the person keeps coming back like a counterfeit or undesirable coin.
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be two a penny
The idiom "be two a penny" means that something or someone is common, easily available, or abundant. It implies that the mentioned item or person is not unique or rare, but rather ordinary and easily found, much like something that can be purchased for a low price or is readily available.
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penny saved is a penny earned, a
The idiom "a penny saved is a penny earned" means that saving money is essentially the same as earning money. It emphasizes the importance of frugality and the value of saving even small amounts of money, as it is equivalent to generating new income.
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In for a penny
The idiom "In for a penny" means being committed or involved in something fully, regardless of the consequences or risks. It suggests that once a person has made a small investment or commitment, they are obliged to go along with the entire commitment even if it involves greater risks or costs.
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penny saved is a penny earned
The idiom "a penny saved is a penny earned" means that saving money is just as valuable as earning it. It emphasizes the importance of frugality and the idea that saving even small amounts can add up and be beneficial in the long run. The saying encourages individuals to be mindful of their spending habits and to save money whenever possible.
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be two/ten a penny, at be a dime a dozen
The idiom "be two/ten a penny" (or "be a dime a dozen" in American English) means that something or someone is so common, plentiful, or easily available that they have little or no value or distinction. It implies that the item or person is not unique or special and can be found everywhere, much like an everyday or commonly found item of little worth.
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not have a penny to (one's) name
The idiom "not have a penny to (one's) name" is used to describe a person who is completely broke or financially destitute. It means that the person does not have even a small amount of money or possessions. It emphasizes the person's extreme lack of wealth or financial resources.
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cut sm off without a penny
The idiom "cut someone off without a penny" means to disinherit or exclude someone completely from inheriting any money or assets, typically from a will or inheritance. It indicates that the person will receive no financial support or assistance.
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cut someone off without a penny
The idiom "cut someone off without a penny" refers to someone being disinherited or having their financial support completely removed, leaving them with no money or inheritance. It usually implies that the person has been excluded or completely rejected by their family or benefactor, leaving them in a dire financial situation.
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cut (one) off without a penny
The idiom "cut (one) off without a penny" means to disinherit someone completely, leaving them with no financial resources or inheritance. It refers to a situation where a person is intentionally excluded from receiving any money or assets from their family or inheritance.
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bad penny always turns up
The idiom "bad penny always turns up" refers to a person or thing that is unwanted or disliked, but continues to reappear or resurface unexpectedly. It suggests that despite efforts or attempts to get rid of someone or something, it consistently returns.
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be a dime a dozen, at be two/ten a penny
The idiom "be a dime a dozen" means that something is very common or easily found, often implying that it is not particularly valuable or unique. Similarly, "be two/ten a penny" has the same meaning, emphasizing the abundant and easily available nature of something. Both expressions indicate that the item or situation being referred to is so common that it holds little or no significant value or importance.
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earn an honest penny
The idiom "earn an honest penny" means to earn money through hard work or diligent effort, often implying that the money was earned in a fair and honest manner. It emphasizes the value of honest labor and suggests that the person has put in genuine effort to earn their income.
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(a) penny for your thoughts
The idiom "(a) penny for your thoughts" is a figurative way of asking someone to share their thoughts, opinions, or ideas about something. It implies curiosity or interest in what the person is thinking or feeling.
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not have a penny to your name
The idiom "not have a penny to your name" means to have no money or wealth. It conveys a state of extreme financial poverty in which a person possesses absolutely no currency or valuable possessions.
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a penny saved is a penny earned
The idiom "a penny saved is a penny earned" means that it is just as valuable to save money as it is to earn money. It emphasizes the importance of frugality and avoiding wasteful spending, as every penny saved adds up to the same value as earning an extra penny.
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not have a penny to bless yourself with
The idiom "not have a penny to bless yourself with" means to be extremely poor or lacking any money or assets. It suggests a situation where one has no financial resources or means to sustain oneself.
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not have a penny
The idiom "not have a penny" means to be completely out of money or to have no money at all. It suggests that the person is extremely poor or financially destitute.
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I felt like a penny waiting for change
The idiom "I felt like a penny waiting for change" is used to convey a sense of impatience or anticipation in a situation where one feels stagnant or stuck, like a coin awaiting a purpose or action. It implies a feeling of restlessness or longing for progress or transformation.
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a penny saved is a penny gained
The idiom "a penny saved is a penny gained" means that by saving money, even small amounts, one is essentially adding to their wealth. It emphasizes the importance of frugality and the value of saving rather than frivolously spending.
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not have two pennies to rub together, at not have a penny to your name
The idiom "not have two pennies to rub together" is used to describe someone who is extremely poor or lacking any financial resources. Similarly, "not have a penny to your name" means that someone does not possess any money at all. Both expressions convey the idea of extreme poverty or destitution.
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not have a penny to bless (oneself) with
The idiom "not have a penny to bless oneself with" means to be extremely poor or financially destitute. It indicates that a person lacks even the smallest amount of money or resources to support oneself.
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penny for your thoughts
The idiom "penny for your thoughts" is a phrase used to ask someone what they are thinking or feeling, typically when they appear deep in thought or distracted. It is a figurative way of expressing interest in someone's inner thoughts or concerns, suggesting that the thoughts of the person are worth a small amount of currency.
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cut off without a penny
The idiom "cut off without a penny" refers to someone who has been completely disinherited or left with no money or inheritance from their family or loved ones. It signifies a person being deprived of any financial support or resources.
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turn an honest penny
The idiom "turn an honest penny" means to earn money in a fair and honest way through hard work or legitimate means.
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turn up like a bad penny
The idiom "turn up like a bad penny" means the unexpected reappearance of someone or something that is unwanted, often causing trouble or inconvenience. It suggests that the person or thing keeps appearing even though they are not wanted or have been previously rejected.
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penny wise and pound foolish
The idiom "penny wise and pound foolish" refers to someone who is careful with small amounts of money or expenses (penny wise) but overlooks or is wasteful with larger and more significant amounts (pound foolish). It describes a person who focuses on saving or cutting small costs while disregarding the potential financial consequences of bigger decisions or investments.
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mean enough to steal a penny off a dead man's eyes
The idiom "mean enough to steal a penny off a dead man's eyes" refers to someone who is extremely dishonest, greedy, or lacking in moral values. It implies that the person is willing to stoop to the lowest levels to take advantage of a situation, even exploiting someone who has passed away.
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worth every penny
The idiom "worth every penny" means that something is of such high quality or value that the amount of money paid for it is completely justified or well-spent. It implies that the item or experience is so desirable or beneficial that it is worthwhile or has exceeded one's expectations in terms of its cost.
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a bad penny always turns up
The idiom "a bad penny always turns up" means that troublesome or unwanted individuals or situations have a tendency to reappear or resurface time and again, even if they were previously thought to have been eliminated or resolved.
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a penny for them
The idiom "a penny for them" is a phrase used to suggest that someone seems lost in thought or preoccupied, and the speaker is offering to pay them to share their thoughts or feelings.
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be penny-wise and pound-foolish
To be penny-wise and pound-foolish means to be careful or thrifty with small amounts of money (pennies), but wasteful or reckless with larger amounts (pounds). It describes a person who focuses on saving money in trivial or insignificant matters, but overlooks larger expenses or investments that could have a greater impact.
Similar spelling words for PENNY
- PENA,
- Pennie,
- pean,
- peon,
- pen,
- penni,
- Penna,
- Penney,
- peahen,
- penn,
- peen,
- peony,
- penne.
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