Penny Ante
Penny ante is a game with very low stakes. The phrase is also used for anything that is small or unimportant.
The simple explanation
A penny ante game is played for tiny amounts, often for fun. No real money is likely to change hands.
A closer look
The expression comes from poker games with a one-cent ante. In everyday English, it describes small stakes of any kind. Penny ante games are a good place to learn, since losses are small. They are common in home games with family and friends.
A practical example
Friends play penny ante poker with coins on the kitchen table.
Full explanation
Penny ante is a game with very low stakes. The phrase is also used for anything that is small or unimportant.
Penny ante is a game with very low stakes.
It is played for fun.
It is a good way to learn.
The phrase is also used outside poker.
Alternative spelling: penny-ante