penny-ante
[ pen-ee-an-tee ]
/ ˈpɛn iˈæn ti /
adjective Informal.
involving a trifling sum of money; small in amount: a penny-ante investment.
inconsiderable; minor; small-time.
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Origin of penny-ante
An Americanism dating back to 1930–35
Words nearby penny-ante
Definition for penny-ante (2 of 2)
penny ante
noun
Cards. a game of poker in which the ante or basic bet is one cent.
Informal. any business arrangement or transaction involving a trifling or paltry sum of money.
Origin of penny ante
An Americanism dating back to 1850–55
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for penny-ante
No, not the penny-ante conspiracy Hillary Clinton first floated back in the 90s.
The Kremlin’s Favorite Anti-Gay Hate Group is Coming to Utah|Jay Michaelson|July 19, 2014|DAILY BEASTHe should stop wasting his time taunting Rick Perry with penny-ante bets and put his lucre to good use.
Its nothing but penny-ante, with a ten-cent limit; just enough to make it interesting, you know.
The New Boys at Oakdale|Morgan ScottHe was lured into a game of penny-ante poker, which assumed, before the game was finished, extensive proportions.