Not a penny

usgb
phrase

Not any money at all.

I did lots of work but I got not a penny for it.
Visual representation of "not a penny" - Not any money at all

Often appears as...

  • not a penny more
  • not a penny less

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not a penny"
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Emphasis on Zero

The phrase 'not a penny' emphasizes that no money whatsoever has been received or given.

Illustration for Emphasis on Zero
After negotiating, I agreed to sell my old bike for not a penny less than $50.
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Used for Effect

'Not a penny' is often used to make a statement feel stronger or more dramatic.

Illustration for Used for Effect
They promised to help with the project, but in the end, they contributed not a penny of support.
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Figurative Use

While it refers to 'money', 'not a penny' can be used figuratively to mean 'nothing at all'.

Illustration for Figurative Use
Although I spent hours on that game, I got not a penny of satisfaction from it.
Visual representation of the word "Not a penny"

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