What does “Turn up like a bad penny” mean?
"Turn up like a bad penny" means to unexpectedly appear, especially when not wanted or welcome.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I thought I got rid of him, but he turned up like a bad penny at the party.
Example
Every time I go to the park, that annoying dog turns up like a bad penny.
Example
Just when I thought I was done with that project, it turned up like a bad penny on my desk again
Is “Turn up like a bad penny” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Turn up like a bad 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 “Turn up like a bad penny” effectively in context?
You can use "Turn up like a bad penny" to describe someone or something that unexpectedly appears, especially when not wanted or welcome. It implies a sense of annoyance or frustration. For example, if a person you don't like keeps showing up at social events, you might say, 'He always turns up like a bad penny.'
- 1Social Events
I thought I got rid of him, but he turned up like a bad penny at the party.
- 2Encounters
Every time I go to the park, that annoying dog turns up like a bad penny.
- 3Work
Just when I thought I was done with that project, it turned up like a bad penny on my desk again.
Similar phrases to “Turn up like a bad penny”:
Pop up
To appear suddenly and unexpectedly
Example
She popped up at the party uninvited.
Show up unannounced
To arrive without prior notice or invitation
Example
He showed up unannounced at her doorstep.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Turn up like a bad penny” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Turn up like a bad penny" is unknown.
Is “Turn up like a bad penny” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Turn up like a bad penny" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express their surprise, annoyance, or frustration when someone or something unexpectedly appears.
What tone does “Turn up like a bad penny” have?
"Turn up like a bad penny" conveys a tone of annoyance or frustration. It's often used to express a negative sentiment towards the unexpected appearance of someone or something.
Can “Turn up like a bad penny” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Turn up like a bad penny" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of an unwelcome and unexpected appearance. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
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, 'I can't believe he turned up like a bad penny again.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Here they come, turning up like a bad penny!' to express annoyance.
