not worth a brass farthing: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘not worth a brass farthing’ mean?
"Not worth a brass farthing" is an idiom that means something is completely worthless or of no value at all.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "second-rate" refers to something of inferior quality or standard compared to others in the same category.
The idiom "second-rate" is commonly used in English to describe something of inferior quality or value. It is often used to express disappointment or dissatisfaction with the perceived mediocrity or substandard nature of a person, thing, or situation.
The idiom "price of eggs" refers to an insignificant or unimportant matter that is not worth worrying about or discussing in great detail.
The idiom "price of eggs" is used to emphasize the insignificance or unimportance of something. It is often used in a dismissive or sarcastic manner to downplay the value or relevance of a particular thing or situation. The idiom is primarily used in informal contexts and is not commonly used in formal or professional settings.
The idiom "pretty penny" means a significant or large amount of money. It is often used to emphasize the high cost or value of something.
The idiom "pretty penny" is used to describe something that is expensive or costs a great deal of money. It is often used in the context of making a purchase or spending a significant amount of money on something.
The idiom "piece of shit" is an offensive expression used informally to describe something or someone as being of very poor quality or value.
The idiomatic phrase *piece of crap* is used to describe something or someone that is of extremely poor quality or value. It implies complete worthlessness or disappointment.
The idiom "penny wise and pound foolish" means being frugal with small expenses while being wasteful with larger ones.
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 "on a shoestring" describes accomplishing something with very little money or resources. It originated in the 19th century and has evolved over time to encompass a wide range of situations where individuals or organizations operate on a tight budget. This can include running a business, organizing an event, or even traveling.
The idiom "not worth writing home about" means something is not impressive or noteworthy enough to share with others. It suggests a lack of excitement or satisfaction about a particular experience or event.
The idiom "not worth salt" means something or someone is of no value or insignificant. It originates from ancient Rome where salt was highly valued as a valuable commodity used for trade and payment.
Surprising Origins
One related idiom to "not worth a brass farthing" is "brass farthing." A brass farthing is a small coin made of brass that had very little value. Similar to "not worth a brass farthing," this idiom emphasizes the insignificance or lack of worth of something or someone.
Another related idiom is "not worth a dime." Dime is a term used to refer to a ten-cent coin in the United States. In this idiom, "not worth a dime" is used to convey that something or someone has little or no value. It is another way of expressing the same idea as "not worth a brass farthing," emphasizing the worthlessness of the subject.
Similarly, the idiom "not worth a whistle" is also related to "not worth a brass farthing." In this case, a whistle represents something with very little value or significance. When something is described as "not worth a whistle," it means that it is of no value or importance. This idiom, like the others, points to the lack of worth associated with the subject being discussed.
Overall, these idioms, including "brass farthing," "not worth a dime," and "not worth a whistle," share the common theme of expressing the idea that something or someone has little to no value or worth. They serve as reminders of the ever-changing nature of value and challenge our notions of what holds importance in society. Whether it's a small coin, a dime, or a whistle, these idioms invite us to question the standards by which we measure worth and remind us that value is subject to fluctuation and reevaluation.
Example usage
Examples:
1. After spending hours searching for her missing keys, she finally found them in the bottom of her bag, but by then she realized they were not worth a brass farthing as the lock had been changed.
2. The old vase that she inherited from her grandmother had sentimental value, but when she took it to be appraised, she found out it was not worth a brass farthing due to its poor condition.
3. He spent a lot of money on a high-end electronic gadget, but after a week of use, he concluded it was not worth a brass farthing as it continuously malfunctioned.
More "Value" idioms
