A penny for your thoughts
phrase
A way of asking what someone is thinking.
You seem deep in thought - a penny for your thoughts?
Often appears as...
- looking thoughtful
- a penny for your thoughts?
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A way of asking what someone is thinking.
You seem deep in thought - a penny for your thoughts?
Often appears as...
- looking thoughtful
- a penny for your thoughts?
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Thoughtful Prompt
Use it to kindly prompt someone to share their private thoughts or reflections in a conversation.
You've been quiet, a penny for your thoughts?
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Expression
It's casual and usually used among friends, family, or colleagues; not in formal situations.
We're deciding where to eat, a penny for your thoughts, Alice?
Pro Tip 3/3Friendly Interest
It expresses genuine interest in someone’s opinion or feelings in a friendly manner.
You seemed to have an opinion during the meeting, a penny for your thoughts?
Pro Tip 1/3Thoughtful Prompt
Use it to kindly prompt someone to share their private thoughts or reflections in a conversation.
You've been quiet, a penny for your thoughts?
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Expression
It's casual and usually used among friends, family, or colleagues; not in formal situations.
We're deciding where to eat, a penny for your thoughts, Alice?
Pro Tip 3/3Friendly Interest
It expresses genuine interest in someone’s opinion or feelings in a friendly manner.
You seemed to have an opinion during the meeting, a penny for your thoughts?
Pro Tip 1/3Thoughtful Prompt
Use it to kindly prompt someone to share their private thoughts or reflections in a conversation.
You've been quiet, a penny for your thoughts?
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Expression
It's casual and usually used among friends, family, or colleagues; not in formal situations.
We're deciding where to eat, a penny for your thoughts, Alice?
Pro Tip 3/3Friendly Interest
It expresses genuine interest in someone’s opinion or feelings in a friendly manner.
You seemed to have an opinion during the meeting, a penny for your thoughts?
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