He put a penny in the fusebox and nearly started a fire.
penny in the fusebox
idiomAn improvised repair made with no regard for safety.
Origin
disputed originBy metaphorical extension from the literal sense, a makeshift to close a circuit when no replacement fuse is at hand; unsafe, inadvisable, and disdained by others in any circumstance except a rare one like wartime heroism.
Desperate to get the lights back on, she used a penny in the fusebox instead of calling an electrician.
The inspector shuddered at the sight: some previous tenant, seeking a quick fix, had jammed a penny in the fusebox, creating a hazard that could have burned the building down.
- 01
a pound to a penny
Very likely; almost certainly.
- 02
bad penny
A person or thing which is unpleasant, disreputable, or otherwise unwanted, especially one which repeatedly appears at inopportune times.
- 03
penny for your thoughts
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
- 04
penny pincher
One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.
- 05
penny wedding
A wedding at which the guests contribute payments in order to fund the event and to benefit the newly-married couple.
- 06
penny wise and pound foolish
Prudent and thrifty with small amounts of money, but wasteful with large amounts.
- 07
pretty penny
Chiefly preceded by a: a considerable amount of money; a high income or price.
- 08
ten a penny
So common as to be practically or almost worthless.