| 释义 |
the penny drops the penny dropsOne finally understands, realizes, or recognizes something. Typically used in the past tense. When Liam drew the diagram, the penny dropped, and everything became clear to me.See also: drop, pennythe penny drops mainly BRITISHCOMMON If the penny drops, someone finally understands or realizes something. In the end the penny dropped. That was why she sent us back. It's only recently the penny's begun to drop that, actually, the new job is probably better than the other one. Note: This expression probably refers to slot machines (= machines for playing games), which only operate when you put in a coin. See also: drop, pennythe penny drops someone finally realizes or understands something. informal, chiefly British The image here is of the operation of a coin-operated slot machine.See also: drop, pennythe ˌpenny ˈdrops (informal, especially British English) suddenly understand the meaning or significance of something: She never understands jokes. It usually takes about half an hour for the penny to drop. ♢ There was a long silence on the stage, and then the penny finally dropped — it was my turn to speak.This is a comparison with the way a machine starts after a coin is inserted.See also: drop, penny |