PhrasesHub

As nice as ninepence

    Definitions

      • to describe someone who is very neat, tidy, or well-groomed in appearance
        This phrase is often used in a positive or neutral way, suggesting that the person is well-presented and put together.

      • to describe someone who is very particular or fussy
        This meaning can be used in a slightly negative or critical way, implying that the person is overly concerned with small details and may be difficult to please.

      • to describe something that is well-organized or in perfect condition
        This can be used in a positive sense, referring to a space or object that is carefully maintained and in excellent shape.

    Examples of As nice as ninepence

    • Her homemade soup tasted as nice as ninepence.

      This idiom is commonly referred to as "as cheap as chips" in modern English, but "as nice as ninepence" is still used in some dialects of British English to describe something that is of very low value or price, but surprisingly good or enjoyable. In this example, the speaker is expressing their surprise and delight at the unexpected goodness of the homemade soup, comparing it to something of very little value, such as a coin worth less than a penny in the past.

    • He acted as nice as ninepence during the trial, but we later learned he was guilty all along.

      Similar to the previous example, this usage of the idiom implies that someone appears excessively nice or honest when it may not be the case. In this example, the speaker is being sarcastic, as they are implying that the person's apparent niceness during the trial was insincere, and that they were actually guilty of a crime.

    • After the long and stressful day at work, I just want to come home and relax as nice as ninepence.

      In this example, the speaker is using the idiom to express their desire to completely unwind and relax in a low-key and stress-free manner, after a difficult day at work.

    • The salesperson tried to convince me that the product was worth the high price, but it was as nice as ninepence, and I ended up returning it.

      Here, the speaker is implying that the product was not worth the high price, as they felt that the quality did not match the cost. They are using the idiom to describe the product as having very little value, despite the high price tag.

    • The hotel's complimentary breakfast buffet was as nice as ninepence.

      This means that the breakfast was very affordable and provided basic amenities, but it was still satisfying and enjoyable. The idiom "as nice as ninepence" is used to suggest that something is very inexpensive, but still has some value or worth. In this context, it implies that the breakfast buffet was a good deal for the price and that the hotel provided a decent meal for their guests without charging a high fee. Overall, the breakfast was inexpensive, but it was still pleasing and satisfying.

    • The train ride through the countryside was as nice as ninepence.

      This means that the train ride was very affordable and provided scenic views, but it was still an enjoyable experience. The idiom "as nice as ninepence" is used to suggest that something is very inexpensive, but still has some value or worth. In this context, it implies that the train ride was a good deal for the price and that travelers could enjoy the beautiful scenery without spending a lot of money. Overall, the train ride was inexpensive, but it was still an enjoyable way to see the countryside.

    • The soup at the new restaurant was as nice as ninepence.

      This means that the soup was very affordable and had basic flavors, but it was still satisfying and enjoyable. The idiom "as nice as ninepence" is used to suggest that something is very inexpensive, but still has some value or worth. In this context, it implies that the restaurant served a decent soup for their customers without charging a high fee. Overall, the soup was inexpensive, but it was still a pleasant experience.

    • The local library's collection of vintage magazines was as nice as ninepence.

      This means that the collection was very affordable and had a lot of old magazines, but it was still enjoyable to browse through. The idiom "as nice as ninepence" is used to suggest that something is very inexpensive, but still has some value or worth. In this context, it implies that the library offered a good selection of vintage magazines at a low price, and that visitors could enjoy reading them without spending too much money. Overall, the collection of vintage magazines was inexpensive, but it was still enjoyable to explore.


    Conclusion

    Overall, the idiom "as nice as ninepence" is used to describe someone or something that is well-kept, tidy, and meticulous. It can be used in both a positive and slightly negative sense, depending on the context.

    Origin of "As nice as ninepence"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 18th or 19th century in Britain. The phrase "ninepence" refers to a coin with a nine-pence value, which was considered a substantial amount of money at the time. It is thought that the phrase may have been used to describe someone who was dressed in expensive and well-kept attire, as ninepence was a considerable sum of money for clothing and grooming.

    Another theory suggests that the idiom may have come from the phrase "as neat as ninepence," which was used to describe someone who was orderly and well-managed. Over time, the phrase evolved to include the connotation of being well-dressed and groomed as well.

    Overall, the idiom "as nice as ninepence" has been in use for centuries and has evolved to encompass various meanings related to neatness and precision. Its exact origin may be uncertain, but it continues to be a commonly used phrase in the English language.