turn an honest penny Definition

penny
noun pence (plural), pennies (plural in senses 1 and 2)

1. In the UK: a hundredth part of £1, or a bronze coin having this value.
2. In the UK before decimalization in 1971: &onetwelfth; of a shilling or 1/240 of £1, or a bronze coin having this value.
3. The least quantity of money.

Example: won't cost a penny
(N Amer)
4. One cent, or a coin having this value.
5. A coin of low value in certain other countries.
6. Money in general, usually a small amount.

Example: saving his pennies
Form: pennies
7. Denoting a specified number of pennies (as a value).

Example: a five-penny piece

Idiom: a pretty penny

ironic
A huge sum.
Example: That must have cost a pretty penny

Idiom: in for a penny, in for a pound (in for a penny)

Once involved, one may as well be totally committed.

Idiom: in penny numbers

colloq
In small quantities.

Idiom: pennies from heaven

Money obtained without effort and unexpectedly.

Idiom: spend a penny

euphemistic, colloq
To urinate.

Idiom: the penny dropped

colloq
Understanding about something finally came.

Idiom: turn an honest penny

colloq
To earn one's living honestly.

Idiom: two a penny (ten a penny)

Very common; in abundant supply and of little value.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon pening.