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Origin / meaning of phrase "for two pins"?
My girlfriend uses the phrase "for two pins" a lot. Can anyone explain its origin / meaning ?
i.e I could cry for two pins
It wouldn't take much for me to cancel that trip in fact for two pins I think I will.
That coffee was vile, I could be sick for two pins
4 Answers
- Robin GLv 61 decade agoFavorite Answer
two pence...refers to the English monetary system...although I'm thinking your friend is using the phrase incorrectly. The first and third usage you mention wouldn't work, but the middle one is saying that for only two pence (a very small amount) I'd cancel my trip.
- captbullshotLv 51 decade ago
A packet of pins (usually around 5 dozen, or sold by their weight) has always been an inexpensive item to buy. Thus, two pins are virtually worthless - having very little value i.e. costing nothing. "For two pins" has come mean "it would cost me nothing" to carry out an action.
- 1 decade ago
"It wouldn't take much for me to cancel that trip in fact for two pins I think I will."
Yes, it means that if given only the smallest reason or encouragement, you will cancel the trip
- Anonymous1 decade ago
It means as you have written, "given the smallest reason or encouragement I would" do something or other. Two pins of course being very small.
