penny for your thoughts, a

penny for your thoughts

A phrase said when one is trying to find out what another person is thinking. You've been awfully quiet tonight, honey—a penny for your thoughts?
See also: penny, thought
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

penny for your thoughts

Prov. What are you thinking about?; I would give you a penny if you tell me your thoughts. Noticing that Janet looked pensive, Bill said, "A penny for your thoughts!" You seem very pleased with yourself today. A penny for your thoughts!
See also: penny, thought
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

penny for your thoughts, a

What are you thinking about? For example, You've been awfully quiet-a penny for your thoughts. This expression dates from the 1500s and was in John Heywood's 1546 collection of proverbs.
See also: penny
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a penny for your thoughts

People say a penny for your thoughts when they want to know what someone is thinking. `A penny for your thoughts,' Marina said with a smile.
See also: penny, thought
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a penny for your thoughts

used to ask someone what they are thinking about. informal
See also: penny, thought
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a ˌpenny for your ˈthoughts

(also a ˈpenny for them) (saying) used to ask somebody what they are thinking about: A penny for your thoughts, Hugh! You haven’t said anything all evening!
See also: penny, thought
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

penny for your thoughts, a

What are you thinking about? This expression was actually first stated early in the sixteenth century and was included in John Heywood’s 1546 proverb collection. A penny no longer is worth much, but the expression, much repeated over the years, survives nevertheless.
See also: penny
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • a penny for your thoughts
  • penny for your thoughts
  • don't "(something)" me
  • thanks awfully
  • move in with
  • move in with (someone or something)
  • good night
  • honey cart
  • as one door closes, another (one) opens
  • as one door closes, another opens