the penny drops

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the penny drops

One finally understands, realizes, or recognizes something. Typically used in the past tense. When Liam drew the diagram, the penny dropped, and everything became clear to me.
See also: drop, penny
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

the penny drops

mainly BRITISH
COMMON If the penny drops, someone finally understands or realizes something. In the end the penny dropped. That was why she sent us back. It's only recently the penny's begun to drop that, actually, the new job is probably better than the other one. Note: This expression probably refers to slot machines (= machines for playing games), which only operate when you put in a coin.
See also: drop, penny
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

the penny drops

someone finally realizes or understands something. informal, chiefly British
The image here is of the operation of a coin-operated slot machine.
See also: drop, penny
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

the ˌpenny ˈdrops

(informal, especially British English) suddenly understand the meaning or significance of something: She never understands jokes. It usually takes about half an hour for the penny to drop. ♢ There was a long silence on the stage, and then the penny finally dropped — it was my turn to speak.
This is a comparison with the way a machine starts after a coin is inserted.
See also: drop, penny
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
See also:
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