Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

the penny drops

UK informal

Definition

If the penny drops, you suddenly understand something: She looked confused for a moment, then suddenly the penny dropped.Understanding and comprehending
(Definition of the penny drops from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Word of the Day

hold water

If a reason, argument or explanation holds water, it is true

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More