C1idiominformalmoneyIELTS-friendly
a pretty penny
USUK
a large amount of money
Usually after 'cost', 'pay' or 'fetch': 'it will cost you a pretty penny'. Slightly old-fashioned but still common, often with a humorous tone.
In context
That villa in Da Lat must have cost a pretty penny.
She paid a pretty penny for her wedding dress, but she says it was worth it.
Common mistake
Incorrect: That car cost pretty penny.
Correct: That car cost a pretty penny.
More idioms about money
- a cash cowa product or business that steadily makes a lot of money
- a false economya way of saving money that ends up costing more later
- a gold minea business or thing that makes a lot of money, or a rich source of something
- a golden handshakea large sum of money paid to someone when they leave a job
- a money pitsomething, often a house or car, that costs you much more money than it is worth