on a sixpence

1. With agile precision, especially with limited room to maneuver. Primarily heard in UK. The striker stopped on a sixpence, leaving the defender flailing past her. The steering is so good on this car that you can turn on a sixpence, even at high speeds.

2. In an instant; very quickly, rapidly, or abruptly. He's usually a nice guy, but his temper can turn on a sixpence sometimes.

on a sixpence

(of a stop or turn) within a small area or short distance. British informal

The old sixpenny coin was one of the smallest in circulation in Britain prior to decimalization in 1971 .

See also: on, sixpence

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

See also:

sixpence
turn on a sixpence
on a dime
on a tickey
room for/to maneuver
freedom
freedom of maneuver
freedom of/room for manoeuvre
maneuver
manoeuvre

Full browser ?

▲
on a regular basis
on a roll
on a roll
on a roll
on a roll
on a roll
on a roll
on a roll
On a Sensual Note
on a shoestring
on a shoestring
on a shoestring
on a shoestring
on a short fuse
on a short fuse
on a short fuse
on a short fuse
on a short fuze
on a short fuze
on a short fuze
on a short fuze
on a short lead
on a short leash
On a Side Note
On a Side Note
on a sidetrack
on a silver platter
on a silver platter
on a silver platter
on a silver platter
on a sixpence
on a slippery slope
on a slow boat to China
on a something kick
on a sticky wicket
on a string
on a subject kick
On a sudden
On a suddenty
on a tangent
on a tank
on a tear
on a tear
on a tickey
on a tight lead
on a tight leash
on a toot
on a toss of a coin
on a toss of the coin
On a Totally Irrelevant Subject
On A Totally Unrelated Subject
on a trial
on a trip
on a wait list
on a waiting list
on a whim
On a wind
On a Wing and a Prayer
on a/the front burner
on a/the rampage
on a/the toss of a/the coin
▼

CITE

Site: Follow: Share:

Open / Close