# penny for your thoughts

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/penny-for-your-thoughts
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.

## Examples

- You look quiet today, a penny for your thoughts?
- She sat staring out the window for a long time, so I asked, a penny for your thoughts?
- Noticing his distant expression as he gazed into the fire, she gently touched his arm and offered a penny for your thoughts.

## Origin

First recorded in Thomas More's Four Last Things (c. 1522).

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.