The Open Dictionary

penny

名词

UK/ˈpen.i/
US/ˈpen.i/

定义 penny 名词

  1. B1Countable

    the smallest denomination of currency in the UK, with 100 pennies equaling one pound. The term 'pence,' or informally 'p,' is used when referring to the monetary value. The plural form 'pennies' is used when referring to the coins themselves.

    • Could you please lend me 50 pence?

    • I found a 10, 20, or 50 pence coin on the ground.

    • I keep my pennies and other small change in a jar.

  2. Countable

    In the US and Canada, a cent or a coin valued at one cent.

  3. Countable

    In the UK before 1971, a large coin. Twelve pennies equaled one shilling.

  4. Countable

    Used to refer to a minimal amount of money.

    • Buy a television now and you won't have to pay a penny for three months.

    • This meal was expensive, but it was worth every penny.

    • This is a major investment, every penny has to be carefully planned.

后缀

UK/-pen.i/
US/-pen.i/

定义 penny 后缀

  1. A suffix, used formerly with numerals to denote the cost of something in pence.

    • a fourpenny ice cream

成语

  • (a) penny for your thoughts

    This phrase is used to ask someone what they are thinking, often because they have been quiet or pensive.

    • You've been quiet all day. A penny for your thoughts?

  • not have a penny to your name

    To be completely without money; to be extremely poor.

    • After losing his job, he didn't have a penny to his name.

  • the penny drops

    To suddenly understand something after a period of confusion or not understanding.

    • I listened to the explanation twice before the penny finally dropped.

  • be penny-wise and pound-foolish

    To be overly concerned with saving small amounts of money while being careless with larger sums.

    • He tried to save a few dollars on shipping, but ended up spending more money on a product of inferior quality; it was truly penny-wise and pound-foolish.

  • be two/ten a penny

    To be very common and easily found, therefore not considered special or valuable.

    • In those days, cheap plastic toys like that were two a penny.

  • in for a penny (in for a pound)

    A phrase indicating that since one has started or become involved in something, they should complete it, even if it has become more difficult or complicated than initially anticipated.

    • I only intended to help a little with the project, but now that I've started, I'm in for a penny, in for a pound, and I'm going to finish it.

  • a penny saved is a penny earned

    This idiom emphasizes the importance of saving money, suggesting that money saved is as valuable as money earned.

    • She always compares prices carefully because she believes that 'a penny saved is a penny earned'.