be nickel-and-dimed
To be charged many smaller costs or fees that add up to a substantial amount. The tickets for the cruise were surprisingly inexpensive, but once we were actually on the ship, we were nickel-and-dimed at every opportunity. Between the increases in property tax, sales tax, and income tax, I feel we're constantly being nickel-and-dimed by the government. No, that bill is way too high—you're definitely being nickel-and-dimed by your mechanic.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.