look as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence

English

Etymology

A shilling was worth 12 pence, so this would represent a loss of money.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

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Verb

look as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence (third-person singular simple present looks as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence, present participle looking as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence, simple past and past participle looked as if one had lost a shilling and found sixpence)

1. (idiomatic, dated) To look annoyed or displeased.

Usage notes

• Various similar forms exist, e.g. "as if" may be "as though" or "like", and "a shilling" may be "a bob" or "half a crown".