How Do You Spell TEN A PENNY?

Pronunciation: [tˈɛn ɐ pˈɛni] (IPA)

The phrase "ten a penny" means something that is very common or easily available. Its spelling may be confusing at first glance, but it's actually quite straightforward. The word "ten" is pronounced as [ten] with a short "e" sound, while "a" is pronounced as [ə] with a schwa sound. "Penny" is pronounced as [ˈpɛni], with a short "e" sound for the "e" and a long "e" sound for the "y". Together, it's pronounced as [ˌtɛn ə ˈpɛni]. So, "ten a penny" items are everywhere and worth little.

TEN A PENNY Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "ten a penny" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that is extremely common, abundant, and easily available. It is often used to emphasize the lack of uniqueness or value of a particular item or occurrence. "Ten a penny" implies that the object or concept being referred to is so ordinary that it can be found in large quantities at a very cheap price, much like how small coins are typically purchased in bulk.

   The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the early 20th century when penny sweets (candies or small confectionery items sold for a penny) were a popular treat across Britain. They were so widespread and affordable that they became regarded as unremarkable objects, seemingly found everywhere. Over time, the term expanded beyond the realm of confectionery to cover any commonplace item or situation.

   To use "ten a penny" in a sentence, one might say, "Manual labor jobs are ten a penny in this town; anyone can find work easily." Here, the phrase conveys that such jobs are plentiful and easily accessible, indicating a lack of scarcity or shortage.

   In summary, "ten a penny" is an idiomatic expression used to highlight the ubiquity and insignificance of something, suggesting that it is common and without much value or rarity.

Common Misspellings for TEN A PENNY

• ren a penny
• fen a penny
• gen a penny
• yen a penny
• 6en a penny
• 5en a penny
• twn a penny
• tsn a penny
• tdn a penny
• trn a penny
• t4n a penny
• t3n a penny
• teb a penny
• tem a penny
• tej a penny
• teh a penny
• ten z penny
• ten s penny
• ten w penny
• ten q penny

Idioms with the word TEN A PENNY

• be ten a penny The idiom "be ten a penny" means something is very common and easy to find, often implying low value or significance.
• be a dime a dozen, at be two/ten a penny This idiom means that something is very common, easy to find or acquire, and therefore not particularly valuable or special. It implies that the item or person being referred to is so plentiful that its value has decreased significantly.
• be two/ten a penny, at be a dime a dozen The idiom "be two/ten a penny" or "be a dime a dozen" means that something or someone is very common, easily found, or not unique. It implies that the person or thing being referred to is not special or valuable because there are so many similar ones readily available.
• be two/ten a penny The idiom "be two/ten a penny" means something is very common or easily found, and therefore not particularly valuable or special.