0

I'd like to recall that there's an expression along the lines of "coin dropping down" used to described the moment when an explainee finally reaches the verge of grasping a concept after the explainer tediously has gone through the pains of presenting a multitude of examples, approaches and pedagogical tricks.

Googling it gave me no hits and searching on SO for "coin" resulted in way too many. None of that was of relevance, though.

Can I use the following phrase in correct English to describe that I'm trying to explain a bit more because I see that the subject is about to get the "aha moment"?

I was about to give up but I felt that the coin was about to drop down.

Improve this question
2
  • 2
    See this
    – StoneyB on hiatus
    Jan 19, 2014 at 12:32
  • @StoneyB I believe that's the correct answer. Post it as so, please, and I'll check it as the accepted one.
    – Konrad Viltersten
    Jan 19, 2014 at 12:35

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
4

The expression is The Penny Drops. You could write:

I was about to give up but I felt that the penny was about to drop.

Improve this answer
1
  • It's unusual that the idiom is used to anticipate a mental "unblocking". It's normally said after the person has understood the problem e.g., I was about to give up, when the penny finally dropped
    – Mari-Lou A
    Jan 5, 2015 at 18:23
1

You could use a variant of

"... when it finally clicked."

Improve this answer
1

What you are describing is an epiphany:

a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way

In your phrase:

I was about to give up but I felt that an epiphany was about to happen.

Improve this answer
1
  • I'd say that epiphany is a more profound realization of a deeper truth. I was looking rather for a more common, down-to-earth expression. It seems to that aha moment and epiphany are quite far apart. What's your take on it? I'm thinking oh, I am in love with her is an epiphany while oh, tupac not two-pack is rather a penny dropping...
    – Konrad Viltersten
    Oct 2, 2015 at 18:41

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.