What does “A pretty penny” mean?
"A pretty penny" means that something costs a large amount of money.
What context can I use the in?
Example
That car must have cost a pretty penny.
Example
He paid a pretty penny for that designer handbag.
Example
They spent a pretty penny on their dream vacation
Is “A pretty penny” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A pretty penny” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A pretty penny” effectively in context?
You can use "A pretty penny" to describe something that costs a significant amount of money. It emphasizes the idea of a large sum of money being spent. For example, if someone buys an expensive car, you might say, 'That car must have cost "a pretty penny".'
- 1Shopping
He paid a pretty penny for that designer handbag.
- 2Travel
They spent a pretty penny on their dream vacation.
- 3Real Estate
The house in that neighborhood can cost a pretty penny.
Similar phrases to “A pretty penny”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A pretty penny” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A pretty penny" is unknown.
Is “A pretty penny” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "A pretty penny" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the idea of something being expensive or costing a lot of money.
What tone does “A pretty penny” have?
"A pretty penny" conveys a tone of astonishment or admiration. It's often used to highlight the significant amount of money spent on something.
Can “A pretty penny” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "A pretty penny" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of something being expensive. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'That car must have cost "a pretty penny".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Wow, "a pretty penny"!' to express surprise at the cost of something.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- cost a fortune
- be pricey
- be costly
- be expensive
- be high-priced
Antonyms
- be affordable
- be inexpensive
- be cheap
- be budget-friendly
