pretty penny
Chiefly preceded by a: a considerable amount of money; a high income or price.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That new car must have cost a pretty penny.”
“The repairs on the old house cost a pretty penny, but the results were worth every cent.”
“Although the rare antique clock cost a pretty penny, the collector believed its historical significance justified the substantial investment.”
From the dated sense of *pretty*, denoting a moderately large or considerable amount, combined with *penny* in its general sense of money.
- 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
just another pretty face
Someone who is attractive, but not too distinguished in other areas.
- 04
not a pretty sight
Something disappointing, disquieting, disreputable, or otherwise unworthy of admiration.
- 05
not just a pretty face
Something that is more useful, versatile, or intrinsically valuable than might be assumed.
- 06
penny for your thoughts
Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
- 07
penny in the fusebox
An improvised repair made with no regard for safety.
- 08
penny pincher
One who spends little money; one who is very frugal or cautious with money.
Last updated August 10, 2026