dime a dozen: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘dime a dozen’ mean?

The idiom "dime a dozen" means that something is very common and easy to find, usually referring to things that are not valuable or special.

Idiom Explorer

Elusive Rarity Unmasked

Dime a dozen is a common idiom in the United States that originated in the mid-19th century. It is used to describe something that is very abundant or common, often to the point of being cheap or of low quality. The phrase "dime a dozen" is believed to have come from the pricing of goods in the United States during the 19th century. At that time, a dime was considered a small amount of money, and many things could be bought for that price. Therefore, if something was said to be a dime a dozen, it meant that it was so common that it was not worth much.

This idiom can be used to convey the idea that something is easily obtainable or of little value. It can describe items, such as cheap trinkets or generic products, as well as intangible things like ideas or opinions that are not unique or special. For instance, people might say that "talented singers are a dime a dozen" to suggest that there are many singers with talent, and it is not difficult to find someone who can sing well. Similarly, they might say that "good ideas are a dime a dozen" to imply that there are many ideas out there, and it takes more than just a good idea to be successful.

The idiom "dime a dozen" has become a common part of American English and is often used in everyday conversation. It is frequently employed in informal settings, such as casual conversations or discussions among friends. The idiom's meaning is generally well understood within the United States, and it is often used to express a sense of skepticism or indifference towards something that is perceived as common or unoriginal.

There are several other idioms related to "dime a dozen" that are worth exploring. One of these idioms is "decimal dozen." A decimal dozen refers to a quantity of items that is not a whole number, such as 2.5 dozen apples. This idiom emphasizes the concept of abundance and can be used as a variation of "dime a dozen" to describe something that is very common or numerous.

Cheap and abundant items are numerous and ordinary.

Another related idiom is "dime's worth." This phrase is used to describe something that is very insignificant or of little value. It is often used in the negative form, as in "it's not worth a dime" or "it doesn't amount to a dime." This idiom reinforces the idea of something being of low worth or importance, similar to "dime a dozen."

"cheaper by the dozen" is another idiom that is related to "dime a dozen." This phrase is used to describe something that becomes less expensive per unit when bought in larger quantities. It can also be used more broadly to convey the idea that something is more economical or advantageous when obtained in larger amounts. This idiom highlights the contrast in value between a single item and a larger quantity, similar to how "dime a dozen" emphasizes the abundance and low value of something.

A "baker's dozen" is yet another idiom that is related to "dime a dozen." This term refers to a quantity of 13 items instead of the usual 12. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the medieval practice of bakers adding an extra roll to a customer's order to avoid any possibility of penalties for shortchanging. This idiom emphasizes the idea of getting more than expected or receiving something extra, which can be contrasted with the idea of something being common or of little value, as in "dime a dozen."

Lastly, we have the idiom "banker's dozen." This phrase is used to describe a quantity of 11 items instead of the usual 12. It is believed to have originated from the banking industry, where bankers were known for being cautious with their money. By giving one less item, they were able to save some profit, even if it meant providing a slightly lesser quantity. This idiom highlights the idea of being slightly stingy or frugal, which can be contrasted with the idea of abundance and commonness in "dime a dozen."

"dime a dozen" is a versatile idiom that is used to describe something that is very common or abundant, often to the point of being cheap or of low quality. It originated in the United States in the mid-19th century and has become a common part of American English. Other related idioms like "decimal dozen," "dime's worth," "cheaper by the dozen," "baker's dozen," and "banker's dozen" provide further nuances and variations to the concept of abundance and value. These idioms add depth and richness to the English language, allowing for more colorful and expressive communication.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "dime a dozen" can be used in a sentence:

1. "Those cheap knock-off watches are a dime a dozen, you can buy them anywhere."

2. "In this city, coffee shops are a dime a dozen, you can find one on every corner."

3. "Singer-songwriters are a dime a dozen these days, it's hard to stand out in the music industry."

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