Because the phrase 'by the penny' is implied that whatever it is, will squeeze all the value out down to the singular digit, because the penny has a value of 1 cent as we all know. However, with the penny no longer in production, how soon can we expect a time where nobody will say "by the penny"?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 4 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Maybe it's some mangled AI-translation of "not worth a tuppence" a low-value coin in the UK.

The only little saying I can think of with penny is, "a penny for your thoughts."

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • The other UK one is "I'm going to spend a penny" meaning I'm going to the loo, (I assume this phrase is to do with bathrooms being penny operated/gated).

    What I want to know is does the phrase also then lead to referring to urinating as Peeing as when referring to coinage we use both P (pronounced "pee") and pence

  • source
  • parent