halfpennyworth
/ˈheɪpəθ
/ /ˈheɪpnɪˌwəθ /(also ha'p'orth)
noun British
1As much as could be bought for a halfpenny: a halfpennyworth of fish and chips...
- Mary Ann Chapman threw a halfpenny on the table and said ‘Go and get a halfpennyworth of soap.’
- I then carried home my provision, and eat some more cheese with the other roll, and a halfpennyworth of apples by way of relish, and took a drink of water.
- ‘We never got a ha'porth's change of 'im’ - that is, we had to pay the full price for everything.
1.1 [usually with negative] (ha'p'orth) informal A negligible amount: he’s never been a ha’p'orth of bother...
- The environment should not be sacrificed for a ha'p'orth.
- If the House of Commons are absolutely determined to do this foolish thing, then what the Prime Minister says will not make a ha'p'orth of difference.
- Political balance on the Employers' Organisation has shifted marginally in the Tories' favour, but ‘is not going to make a halfpennyworth of difference to negotiating positions’, says an official.
Phrases
don't spoil the ship for a ha'p'orth of tar