Teacher Joseph
Professional Teacher
English Idiom - "The Penny Has Dropped"

If the "penny has dropped" it means the person finally understands the point in discussion. 

 

The phrase dates back to the penny arcade machines which we had here in the Victorian era.

The penny would sometimes  get stuck in the slot and the user would then have to either wait, or hit the machine  before the 'penny finally dropped' and the machine would begin.

 

Examples:- 

 

"Has the penny dropped (with you)?  (Do you now understand what I mean?)

 

"The Penny still hasn't dropped (with you)"   (you still doesnt understand what I mean)

 

 "Penny dropped has it?" (do you understand my point now?)

 

"She doesn't understand what I'm trying to say, the penny just isn't dropping (with her), I might try explaining it again with a diagram".

 

"ahhh at last, finally the penny's dropped" (and now you understand what Im trying to say)

 

"He just keeps staring at me when I ask him, its like the penny just doesnt seem to drop with him"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 24, 2014 1:08 PM
Comments · 1

Has anyone noticed my typing mistake?

 

"you still doesnt understand what I mean" should read "he still doesnt...."

October 24, 2014