penny for your thoughts

WOTD – 27 February 2009    

English

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈpɛn.i fɔː jɔː ˈθɔːts/, /ˈpɛn.i fəː jəː ˈθɔːts/, X-SAMPA: /"pen.i fO: jO: "TO:ts/
• (US) IPA: /ˈpɛn.i fɔɹ jʊɹ ˈθɑts/, /ˈpɛn.i fɔɹ jʊɹ ˈθɔts/, /ˈpɛn.i fɚ jɚ ˈθɑts/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Phrase

a penny for your thoughts

1. (idiomatic) Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Book IV, chapter xiv

     One day, as your ladyship was playing on the harpsichord to my master, Mr Jones was sitting in the next room, and methought he looked melancholy. La! says I, Mr Jones, what's the matter? a penny for your thoughts, says I.

Translations

inquiry into the thoughts

• Finnish: penni (fi) ajatuksistasi (fi)
• French: à quoi penses-tu en ce moment ?

• Polish: O czym tak rozmyślasz? (pl)