a brass farthing

brass farthing

Something that is worth very little, nothing, or next to nothing. Refers to farthings (obsolete British units of currency, worth one-quarter of a penny), formerly made from a copper alloy (brass). Usually used in the negative, and most often in the phrase, "not worth a brass farthing." Primarily heard in UK. I didn't get a brass farthing for all the work I did on that project. This old car isn't worth a brass farthing. If I had a brass farthing for all the times I heard that excuse, I'd be rich by now.See also: brass, farthing

a brass farthing

mainly BRITISH, OLD-FASHIONEDIf you say that someone will not get a brass farthing, you mean that they will not get any money at all. The tragic fact is that most children in lone-parent families will not gain a brass farthing through this Act. Note: You can also say that someone has not paid a brass farthing if they have not paid any money at all. We rented the house together, but so far she hasn't paid a brass farthing towards it.See also: brass, farthing