like cheese at fourpence: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘like cheese at fourpence’ mean?
Analyzing the idiom "like cheese at fourpence", it expresses something that is extremely cheap or of little value compared to its worth.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom widely used to refer to something insignificant or unimportant. It implies that the mentioned object or amount is of little value or significance.
The idiom "pennies on the dollar" means to buy or sell something at a significantly discounted price, usually much lower than its actual value.
The idiom "not worth a dime" means something or someone does not have any value or is not valuable. It suggests that the thing or person is not worth even a small amount of money.
The idiom "much of a muchness" means that two or more things are very similar or almost identical in value or quality.
The idiom "much of a muchness" is a commonly used phrase that means two or more things are very similar or practically the same. It is often used to compare or describe things with little to no noticeable difference between them.
This idiom means to exaggerate or make something seem more serious or important than it really is.
The idiom "make a mountain out of a molehill" is a well-known phrase that is used to describe someone who exaggerates or blows out of proportion a minor issue or problem. The origins of the idiom can be traced back to the 16th century in English literature.
When *loose change* is used as an idiom, it refers to small amounts of money, usually coins, that are not considered important or valuable. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something insignificant or of little value.
The idiom "look like" means to resemble or have a similar appearance to something or someone.
The idiom "look as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence" means to appear unhappy or distressed initially but then unexpectedly become pleased or satisfied.
The idiom "look as if one had lost a shilling and found sixpence" means to appear unhappy or disappointed initially, but then suddenly becoming content or satisfied due to a small fortunate occurrence.
Cheese's Mysterious Fourpence Etymology
Like cheese at fourpence is an idiom that originated in the United Kingdom during the 18th or 19th century. The exact meaning of this idiom is not widely known, but based on available information, it seems to describe something of very poor quality or value, as well as something that is easily obtained or acquired. The comparison to cheese, historically a cheap and perishable food item, further adds to the connotation of something lacking worth.
The idiom like cheese at fourpence is similar to the idiom "pennies on the dollar." Both idioms emphasize the idea of something being of very low value. While "pennies on the dollar" refers specifically to something being significantly cheaper than its actual worth, like cheese at fourpence conveys a general sense of poor quality or low worth.
Add more about "not worth a dime"
The idiom "not worth a dime" is another expression that shares similarities with like cheese at fourpence. Both idioms suggest that something is of very little value. While "not worth a dime" implies that something has no value at all, like cheese at fourpence conveys the idea that something is of very poor quality or not worth much.
Add more about "a little bit of bread and no cheese"
The idiom "a little bit of bread and no cheese" is an idiom that is related to like cheese at fourpence. Both idioms express the concept of lacking something. While "a little bit of bread and no cheese" specifically refers to not having enough food, like cheese at fourpence implies a general sense of lacking value or worth.
Add more about "dime's worth"
The idiom "dime's worth" is similar to like cheese at fourpence in that both expressions convey the idea of something being of very little value. While "dime's worth" specifies the value of ten cents, like cheese at fourpence uses the reference to "fourpence" to indicate a small amount of money or value.
Add more about "small change"
The idiom "small change" is related to like cheese at fourpence in that both idioms suggest something of low value. While "small change" refers specifically to a small denomination of currency, like cheese at fourpence implies a general sense of something being easily obtainable or lacking value.
Like cheese at fourpence remains an idiom with an obscure origin and limited usage. However, its existence offers insight into the linguistic curiosities and nuances of the English language. While the exact meaning and origins of this idiom may never be fully understood, it serves as a reminder that there are countless idioms and expressions waiting to be explored and discovered.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "like cheese at fourpence" can be used in a sentence:
- Despite his best efforts to hide his excitement, his true feelings were visible on his face, like cheese at fourpence.
- The new fashion trend caught on quickly and was selling like cheese at fourpence.
- Her performance was so captivating that the audience was locked in their seats, watching her every move like cheese at fourpence.
More "Obsolete" idioms
