<colloquial expression>
If the "penny has dropped" it means someone has finally realised the situation they are in after possibly being unaware of it for a long time, depending on the situation.
==> The phrase dates back to the Victorian Era and the popular penny-slot arcades. The penny would often stick halfway down the slot and the user would then have to either wait, or give the machine a thump before the 'penny finally dropped' and they could begin playing.
If the "penny has dropped" it means someone has finally realised the situation they are in after possibly being unaware of it for a long time, depending on the situation.
==> The phrase dates back to the Victorian Era and the popular penny-slot arcades. The penny would often stick halfway down the slot and the user would then have to either wait, or give the machine a thump before the 'penny finally dropped' and they could begin playing.
THOMAS: "You know... The other day with the beavers?"
COLIN: "........."
THOMAS: "We used their dam as a bridge?"
COLIN: "........."
THOMAS: "Ruined their homes?"
COLIN: "OHHHHHHHH, now I get you."
GARY: "Ah, the penny has finally dropped. Stupid fool."
COLIN: "........."
THOMAS: "We used their dam as a bridge?"
COLIN: "........."
THOMAS: "Ruined their homes?"
COLIN: "OHHHHHHHH, now I get you."
GARY: "Ah, the penny has finally dropped. Stupid fool."
by Stuart Fletcher January 22, 2005