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# spend a penny

phrase (idiom; verb phrase; spend, spends, spent, spending a penny)

«spend a penny» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, old-fashioned, UK) to go to the toilet, to pee.
2. literally, to spend one penny of money.

### In the lessons

From old British public toilets where the door opened with a penny coin. Polite and old-fashioned, UK, Ireland; grandparents use it.

### Examples

- "Excuse me, I just need to spend a penny," said Granny.
- We stopped at the services so Mum could spend a penny.
- In the old days you really had to spend a penny to use a public toilet.
- The bus driver gave everyone time to spend a penny.
- "I need to spend a penny before the film," whispered Aunt Peg.
- You don't spend any money now, but people still say it.

### Note

It has nothing to do with money today. Stands for "go to the toilet". Old-fashioned; children may be puzzled.