two cents

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. something of insignificant value; a paltry amount.

   We wouldn't give two cents for their chances of success.

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idioms

1. two cents worth, an opinion, usually unsolicited and unwelcome.

   Who asked you to add your two cents worth?

two cents More Idioms  

1. see for two cents.

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Etymology

Origin of two cents

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

The idea of celebrity first became prominent in the 1830s, with the advent of newspapers costing one or two cents.

From Literature

“When they write the history of this campaign,” then-New York Gov. Mario Cuomo said after the 1984 contest, “the longest chapter will be on Jackson. The man didn’t have two cents. He didn’t have one television or radio ad. And look what he did.”

From Los Angeles Times

Coke’s fourth-quarter earnings per share did edge past consensus by two cents, but its revenue came in short of expectations, and it is forecasting organic revenue growth of 4% to 5% in 2026, lower at the midpoint than the 5% growth Wall Street was looking for.

From Barron's

Coke’s fourth-quarter earnings per share did edge past consensus by two cents, but its revenue came in short of expectations, and it is forecasting organic revenue growth of 4% to 5% in 2026, lower at the midpoint than the 5% growth Wall Street was looking for.

From Barron's

Papers cost two cents, and that was more money than I possessed in the world.

From Literature