on a dime
1. With agile precision, especially with limited room to maneuver. Primarily heard in US. He stopped on a dime to catch that ball—look at that agility! The steering is so good on this car that you can turn on a dime, even at high speeds.
2. In an instant; very quickly, rapidly, or abruptly. He's usually a nice guy, but his temper can turn on a dime sometimes.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on a dime
In a very small space, suddenly, as in That horse is so well trained it can turn on a dime. This expression alludes to the fact that the dime is the smallest-size U.S. coin. [Early 1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
on a dime
1 (of a manoeuvre that can be performed by a moving vehicle or person) within a small area or short distance. 2 quickly or instantly. US informal The British equivalent to sense 1 is on a sixpence (see sixpence).
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on a ˈdime
(American English) (British English less frequent on a ˈsixpence)
1 in a short space or small area: A 3000 ton train doesn’t stop on a dime. ♢ These racing boats can turn on a dime.
2 quickly or suddenly: Market conditions can turn on a dime (= change quickly). ♢ This information enables us to respond to new opportunities on a dime.A dime is a small coin of the US and Canada which is worth ten cents.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
on a dime
At a precise point; within a narrowly defined area: a sports car that stops on a dime.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.