dime

(a) dime a dozen

Fig. abundant; cheap and common. People who can write good books are not a dime a dozen. Romantic movies are a dime a dozen.

See also: dozen

get off the dime

Sl. to start moving; to get out of a stopped position. Why don't you get off the dime and complete some of these projects that you started? As soon as the board of directors gets off the dime on this proposal, we will have some action.

See also: get

nickel-and-dime someone (to death)

Fig. to make numerous small monetary charges that add up to a substantial sum. Those contractors nickel-and-dimed me to death. Just give me the whole bill at one time. Don't nickel-and-dime me for days on end.

not worth a dime and not worth a red cent

worthless. This land is all swampy. It's not worth a dime. This pen I bought isn't worth a dime. It has no ink.

See also: worth

stop on a dime

Fig. to come to a stop in a very short distance. This thing will stop on a dime. Imagine a bus that could stop on a dime.

See also: stop

turn on a dime

Fig.[for a vehicle] to turn in a very tight turn. This car can turn on a dime. I need a vehicle that can turn on a dime.

See also: turn

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not be worth a dime  (American informal)

to have little or no value It turns out her precious painting isn't worth a dime - it's a fake.

See also: worth

be a dime a dozen  (American & Australian informal)

to be common and not have much value Romantic novels like these are a dime a dozen.

See also: dozen

nickel and dime somebody   (American informal)

to charge someone small amounts of money for something, often as an extra payment I hate being nickeled and dimed by hotels for local telephone calls - they already charge you so much for the room.

See also: and, nickel

nickel-and-dime  (American informal)

very ordinary and not important

Usage notes: Nickels and dimes are American coins which are very low in value.

(always before noun) We drove along past deserted gas stations and nickel-and-dime diners.

on a dime  (American informal)

if a vehicle or its driver turns or stops on a dime, they turn or stop in a very small space His car is great for parking - it can turn on a dime.

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a dime a dozen

commonly available Remember, editors are a dime a dozen, so if she causes trouble, fire her.

See also: dozen

stop on a dime

to end movement very quickly The car stopped on a dime to avoid slamming into a truck.

See also: stop

turn on a dime

to change direction very quickly The economy is not likely to turn on a dime between now and the end of the year. We never knew what our father would decide because his opinions could turn on a dime.

See also: turn