
IdiomDaily Life
English
the penny drops
Meaning: Someone finally understands something.
Example: “I explained the joke twice before the penny dropped.”
Origin: From coin-operated machines, which only worked once the penny fell through. The phrase is British, from the mid-20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Romanian: A-i pica fisa Literally: For the token to drop
More English idioms
- thin-skinned Easily offended or hurt by criticism.
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- off one's trolley Crazy or foolish.
- as scarce as hen's teeth Extremely rare.
- have a big mouth To talk too much, especially about things that should be kept secret.
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