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The Online Etymology Dictionary says that it was first recorded in 1768: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=%22pretty+penny%22&searchmode=none This has a more complete explanation, towards the bottom: http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=20011023
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∙ 17y ago
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What does the idiom penny pincher mean?
"Penny pincher" is the slang term for a stingy person.
What idiom means asking what someone is thinking?
penny for your thoughts
What is a bad penny?
A bad penny is an idiom for something which is unpleasant or unwanted, especially something which appears at an undesirable time.
What does the idiom 'cheek by jowl' originate from?
It originates from: The Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare - if two people are together with one person's cheek right by another person's cheek (jowl), they are pretty close indeed.
To cost a pretty penny?
The phrase means that something is very expensive. The origin comes from a gold penny that was minted in the 1200's that was worth 20 silver pennies. Because it was gold, it was a pretty penny, and if it cost a pretty penny, it was expensive indeed.
What do you mean by the idiom -a penny?
"A penny" isn't an idiom - it's just a one-cent American coin.
What does the idiom penny pincher mean?
"Penny pincher" is the slang term for a stingy person.
Where did the idiom every dog has its day originate?
Shakespear Play
What idiom means asking what someone is thinking?
penny for your thoughts
When was Pretty Penny created?
Pretty Penny was created in 1995.
Where did the idiom do unto others as you would have others do unto you originate?
confucius...
What does idiom 'to give up the penny' mean?
It's TO SPEND A PENNY. It means to urinate. In the old days, public toilets cost a penny.
What is a bad penny?
A bad penny is an idiom for something which is unpleasant or unwanted, especially something which appears at an undesirable time.
Where did JC Penny originate?
Where jcpenny orignated
Where did the idiom against the clock originate?
what is origin of the idioum race against the clock
What is the meaning of the idiom 'to spend a penny'?
It means to urinate. At one time, public rest rooms cost a penny to use.
What does penniless the idiom mean?
"Penniless" is not an idiom. It means that you don't have a penny to spend. It's used as an exaggeration to mean that you don't have any money.
