IdiomDaily LifeRomanian

A-i pica fisa

Meaning: To finally understand something.

Literally: For the token to drop

Example: “I-am explicat de trei ori până i-a picat fisa.” — I explained it three times before the penny dropped.

English equivalent: The penny drops

Origin: A fisă was the token used in Romanian public payphones. The call went through only when the token dropped, so "the token has dropped for him" means he has finally understood. English has the same picture in "the penny dropped."

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