the penny [drop]
1
used to say that a person has finally understood or realized something
The idiom "the penny drops" is believed to have originated from the concept of old mechanical slot machines or coin-operated devices. In such machines, a penny or coin would physically drop into a slot or mechanism to activate or unlock a particular outcome. The phrase represents the moment when the coin drops and triggers a realization or understanding in a person's mind. It is commonly used when someone finally comprehends a concept, recognizes the truth about a situation, or perceives the implications of a statement or action.
- As I explained the complex concept to her, I could see the moment when the penny dropped and she finally understood.
- After hours of trying to solve the puzzle, the solution suddenly became clear to him, and the penny dropped.
- As I recounted the story, I saw the expressions on their faces change, and one by one, the penny dropped as they realized the truth.
- It took a while, but when he finally connected the information he had been gathering, the penny dropped, and he realized the extent of the problem.
- The team had been struggling to come up with a solution, but during the brainstorming session, a brilliant idea struck one of them, and the penny dropped.