penny for your thoughts

English

WOTD – 27 February 2009

(UK) IPA^(key): /ˈpɛn.i fɔː jɔː ˈθɔːts/, /ˈpɛn.i fəː jəː ˈθɔːts/
(US) IPA^(key): /ˈpɛn.i fɔɹ jʊɹ ˈθɑts/, /ˈpɛn.i fɔɹ jʊɹ ˈθɔts/, /ˈpɛn.i fɚ jɚ ˈθɑts/
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(idiomatic) Used to inquire into the thoughts and feelings of another, especially when the person appears pensive or conflicted.
- 1749, Henry Fielding, chapter XIV, in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. In Six Volumes, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: Printed by A[ndrew] Millar, […], OCLC 928184292, book IV:
  One day, as your ladyship was playing on the harpsichord to my master, Mr Jones was sitting in the next room, and methought he looked melancholy. La! says I, Mr Jones, what's the matter? a penny for your thoughts, says I.

inquiry into the thoughts

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