Welcome to twominenglish.com. Teaching you English through two-minute lessons.
In this lesson you will learn how to use the idiom ‘a penny for your thoughts’.
Tony: “A penny for your thoughts” is an idiom used to ask what somebody is thinking about.
Brenda: However it does not mean that I will give him a real penny for telling me his thoughts, right?
Tony: This is an idiom Brenda, idioms never mean what they say. It means that you are actually interested in his ideas or you are willing to listen to him. A penny for your thoughts, Brenda!
Brenda: Oh! Well, I was thinking if this is used more often when someone is in a deep thought or in trouble.
Tony: That’s right. It is a polite way of asking somebody what they are thinking about if he or she is quiet for a long time.
Brenda: Yes, it also means that you are requesting somebody to give his or her opinion. Am I correct? A penny for your thoughts!
Tony: You are right, but don’t you think I deserve more for my precious thoughts?
Brenda: Oh C’mon, Tony! I won’t give you even a penny anyway!
Tony: Just Kidding! Okay, let’s listen to some conversations now.
Anna: A penny for your thoughts Jack, you look troubled.
Jack: It’s nothing, Anna. I just want to be alone for a moment.
Anna: C’mon Jack! You can tell me.
Jack: I want to join the Army, but my mom won’t allow me.
Anna: That’s what’s bothering you so much?
Jack: Yeah! You may think that’s not worth a penny but it’s important to me.
Anna: I understand, but you shouldn't worry so much!
Jack: Our beach has become so dirty.
Anna: It’s become a busy tourist attraction.
Jack: How do you feel about the tourists? A penny for your thoughts?
Anna: Sure, tourism is good, but we still need to take care of the beach.
Jack: Hey Anna. You look upset. A penny for thoughts, my dear.
Anna: Oh, it’s nothing. But now you made me remember a song that I love.
Jack: Hmm... Really? Which one?
Anna: ‘Lavender’ by Marillion. There’s a part that goes exactly like this: “a penny for your thoughts, my dear”.
Jack: I see! Sorry but I never heard of it.
Anna: It’s a lovely song!