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not worth a brass farthing
01
used to imply that something or someone is completely worthless and has no value at all
Dialect
British
BritishProverb
What is the origin of the proverb "not worth a brass farthing" and when to use it?
The origin of the proverb "not worth a brass farthing" dates back to the 16th century in England. A "farthing" was a small coin, valued at a quarter of a penny. The phrase was originally used to indicate something of very little value, as a brass farthing was a coin considered to be of minimal worth. Over time, the proverb became a way to express that something or someone was considered practically worthless. It serves as a blunt way to emphasize the lack of value in an object, idea, or person.
Examples
The lazy employee's work was not worth a brass farthing, and he was eventually fired for his lack of effort.
