Idiom
My two cents
Your two cents is your opinion on something, offered modestly, often when no one asked for it.
How people use it
The common forms are my two cents, put in my two cents and my two cents' worth: if you want my two cents, take the earlier flight. It softens advice by making it sound small and optional. It can also be used about others (everyone had to add their two cents). It is informal and American; British speakers more often say "my two pennies' worth" or "my two penn'orth".
Also said: my two cents' worth, put in your two cents.
Examples
- Here's my two cents: paint the kitchen a lighter color.
- Grandma always puts in her two cents about how we raise the kids.
- If I can add my two cents, the meeting should be shorter.
Where it comes from
No one knows exactly who first said it. A small coin stands for something of little value, so offering your two cents is a modest way to share a view. The American phrase is recorded from around 1900, and British English has its own version with pennies.
Check yourself
1. What does someone mean by "Here's my two cents"?
Answer: Here's my opinion. My two cents introduces a personal opinion, offered modestly.
2. Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Answer: If you want my two cents, I'd take the job closer to home.. The idiom means offering an opinion, not paying money or staying silent.
Similar idioms
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