penny for your thoughts
A phrase said when one is trying to find out what another person is thinking. You've been awfully quiet tonight, honey—a penny for your thoughts?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
penny for your thoughts
Prov. What are you thinking about?; I would give you a penny if you tell me your thoughts. Noticing that Janet looked pensive, Bill said, "A penny for your thoughts!" You seem very pleased with yourself today. A penny for your thoughts!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
penny for your thoughts, a
What are you thinking about? For example, You've been awfully quiet-a penny for your thoughts. This expression dates from the 1500s and was in John Heywood's 1546 collection of proverbs.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
a penny for your thoughts
People say a penny for your thoughts when they want to know what someone is thinking. `A penny for your thoughts,' Marina said with a smile.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
a penny for your thoughts
used to ask someone what they are thinking about. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
a ˌpenny for your ˈthoughts
(also a ˈpenny for them) (saying) used to ask somebody what they are thinking about: A penny for your thoughts, Hugh! You haven’t said anything all evening!Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
penny for your thoughts, a
What are you thinking about? This expression was actually first stated early in the sixteenth century and was included in John Heywood’s 1546 proverb collection. A penny no longer is worth much, but the expression, much repeated over the years, survives nevertheless.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer