# pretty penny

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/pretty-penny
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Chiefly preceded by a: a considerable amount of money; a high income or price.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

From the dated sense of *pretty*, denoting a moderately large or considerable amount, combined with *penny* in its general sense of money.

---

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.