more kicks than ha'pence

English

Noun

more kicks than ha'pence (uncountable)

1. Synonym of monkey's allowance
   • [1833, [Frederick Marryat], chapter II, in Peter Simple. […], volume I, London: Saunders and Otley, […], published 1834, →OCLC, page 18:

     "Well, then, you're like a young bear, all your sorrows to come—that's all, my hearty," replied he. "When you get on board, you'll find monkey's allowance—more kicks than half-pence. […]"]

Further reading

• Ebenezer Cobham Brewer (1895) Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, page 859.