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a pretty penny
01
a large amount of money
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "a pretty penny" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "a pretty penny" dates back to the 16th century. The word "pretty" in this context does not refer to beauty but rather to a considerable or substantial amount. This phrase is used to describe something that is expensive or costs a significant amount of money.
Examples
That antique vase must have cost a pretty penny.
