cent

He wears a ten-dollar hat on a five-cent head.

Rur. He is stupid but rich. He got the job because he's the boss's son, not because he's smart. He wears a ten-dollar hat on a five-cent head.

See also: hat, head, wear

not worth a dime and not worth a red cent

worthless. This land is all swampy. It's not worth a dime. This pen I bought isn't worth a dime. It has no ink.

See also: dime, worth

put one's oar in and stick one's oar in; put one's two cents(' worth) in

Fig. to add one's comments or opinion, even if unwanted or unasked for. You don't need to put your oar in. I don't need your advice. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have stuck my oar in when you were arguing with your wife. Do you mind if I put in my oar? I have a suggestion. There is no need for you to put in your two cents' worth.

See also: oar, put

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not a red cent  (American informal)

no money at all

Usage notes: A cent is the smallest coin in value in American money and is worth very little.

I did all that work for them and they didn't pay me a red cent! It turns out his paintings aren't worth a red cent.

See also: red

dollars-and-cents  (American & Australian)

if something is discussed or thought about in a dollars-and-cents way, the exact amounts of money involved are thought about (always before noun) The dollars-and-cents details of the new budget will be presented tomorrow by the government.

for two cents  (American & Australian informal)

if you say that for two cents you would do something unpleasant to someone, you mean that you want very much to do it to them

Usage notes: A cent is the coin with the smallest value in American money and two cents is worth very little.

For two cents I'd hit him. He's so darned spoiled and stuck up.

See also: two

put your two cents (worth) in  (American & Australian informal)

to give your opinion in a conversation, often when it is not wanted She always has to put her two cents worth in! Why can't she just keep quiet?

See also: put, two

put/stick your oar in  (British & Australian informal)

to involve yourself in a discussion or a situation when other people do not want you to I don't want Janet coming to the meeting and sticking her oar in - she knows nothing about the situation.

See also: oar, put

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for two cents

without needing much encouragement You're so spoiled and nasty that for two cents I'd throw you out in the street.

See also: two

put your two cents in also put in your two cents

to give your opinion She believes it's her duty to vote and put her two cents in.

See also: put, two