Penny for your thoughts In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "penny for your thoughts", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Caroline Tran

2020-07-27 04:07

Meaning of Penny for your thoughts

Synonyms:

what is on your mind , what do you think , tell me your thoughts , reveal your thoughts , I'd like to know what you're thinking

Penny for your thoughts American phrase informal

When somebody says a penny for your thoughts means that they want to know what is on your mind, mostly when they have been waiting to hear you speak about what you are thinking or feeling because you have not spoken for a while.

an invitation to somebody who lost in thought to share his or her thoughts; used for hoping to know what someone is thinking

You seem very quiet today. A penny for your thoughts?

I find this book interesting. A penny for your thoughts, Ivy?

Other phrases about:

drive your message/point home

State something in a very strong, clear and effective way

Enter One's Head

Ideas and thoughts come to one's head.

compare notes (with somebody)

To share ideas, opinions and experience to someone else about a certain matter

great minds think alike

Used when someone has the same thought or idea as you.

wet (one's) beak

1. To drink a beverage

2. Used to say that someone wants to take his share from the financial proceeds of illicit activity

Grammar and Usage of Penny for your thoughts

Often used as a request rather than a demand.

More examples:

Hey Peter, this is our new student, do you know about her, penny for your thoughts.

Origin of Penny for your thoughts

(Image Source: Internet)

The phrase derives from a time when the British penny was worth a significant sum. First written recordings of this phrase were in the early to mid 1500s. Now in the 21st century, it is not commonly used by the young generation but more used by the old.