red cent

noun

, Informal.

1. a cent, as representative of triviality:

   His promise isn't worth a red cent.

red cent

noun

1. informal.
   used with a negative a cent considered as a trivial amount of money (esp in the phrases not have a red cent , not worth a red cent , etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of red cent¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40

Idioms and Phrases

see under not worth a dime .

Example Sentences

They will try to squeeze every red cent from you when you fly.

From Seattle Times

In a country that can't find a red cent to invest in so many things Americans truly need, both parties in Congress agree that ever more staggering sums should be spent on the military.

From Salon

“Throughout this entire pandemic, Florida has not touched one red cent from our rainy day fund. So, the bottom line is this: By saving Florida’s economy our budget outlook is much more positive.”

From Washington Times

Why should someone’s decision to gamble on not having health insurance cost any of the rest of us one red cent more?

From Washington Times

“Yeah, it took off on its own. Like, there was not one red cent behind it. No marketing, no nothing,” said Brown.

From Fox News