drop a dime: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘drop a dime’ mean?
"Drop a dime" is an idiom that means to make a phone call to inform the authorities about someone's illegal activity or to provide secret information. The phrase is derived from the cost of a payphone call, which used to be ten cents or a dime.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "nickel and dime" means to engage in small, insignificant actions or to focus on trivial matters that have little value or impact, usually in a business or financial context.
The idiom "in for a dime, in for a dollar" means that once you commit to something, you are fully committed and have to see it through to the end, regardless of the consequences or risks involved.
The idiom "give someone a shout" means to contact or get in touch with someone, typically by calling or messaging them. It implies reaching out to someone to communicate or ask for something.
The idiom "give someone a ring" means to call someone on the telephone. It originates from the action of physically ringing someone's doorbell or using a bell to get their attention.
The idiom "get the goods on" means to obtain incriminating or damaging evidence against someone or to gather information that can be used against them.
The idiom "find out" means to discover or obtain information by investigating or asking questions.
The idiom "drop the bomb" means to reveal or disclose something shocking or important, often causing surprise or chaos.
The idiom "drop someone a line" means to send a brief message or letter to someone. It is often used to encourage someone to stay in touch through written communication.
The idiom "drop off the radar" means to disappear or to no longer be noticed or observed, often referring to a person or a thing that was previously in the public eye or under close scrutiny but is now completely forgotten or ignored.
The idiom "drop in" means to visit someone or a place without any prior arrangement or notice. It can also refer to a sudden and unexpected event or occurrence.
Unveiling Secrets
The idiom "drop a dime" can be related to other idioms like "drop a hint", "drop someone a line", and "nickel and dime".
The idiom "drop a hint" means to indirectly suggest or imply something to someone, often with the intention of giving them a clue or prompting them to take a specific action. Just as "drop a dime" involves an anonymous phone call to provide information, "drop a hint" involves subtly providing information to someone. However, while "drop a dime" suggests a sense of urgency and importance, "drop a hint" is more about gently guiding someone or offering subtle suggestions.
The idiom "drop someone a line" means to send a short, informal message to someone, often through a written medium like a letter or email. It is similar to "drop a dime" in the sense that both involve communication, but "drop someone a line" is more about reaching out to someone in a friendly or casual manner. While "drop a dime" implies a secretive or anonymous communication, "drop someone a line" is about making a connection or maintaining a relationship.
The idiom "nickel and dime" refers to a process of accumulating small amounts of money over time, often through small and insignificant transactions. It can also be used to describe a situation where someone is being excessively meticulous or overly concerned with minor details. While "drop a dime" involves a single act of providing information or betraying someone, "nickel and dime" is about the continuous and gradual accumulation of small amounts, often in a negative or burdensome manner.
These related idioms provide different perspectives and contexts for understanding "drop a dime". "Drop a hint" suggests a gentler approach to communication, "drop someone a line" emphasizes friendly and informal connections, and "nickel and dime" highlights the gradual accumulation of small amounts or the undue focus on minor details.
Overall, "drop a dime" is an idiom that originated from the act of making an anonymous phone call by depositing a dime into a payphone. It has evolved to encompass the broader idea of betraying trust or providing undisclosed information to someone in a position of power. While its usage may have declined with the obsolescence of payphones, the metaphorical significance of "drop a dime" remains, offering a reminder of the past while providing a timeless expression for the act of anonymous disclosure or betrayal.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *drop a dime* can be used in a sentence:
- I saw a crime happening on the street and decided to drop a dime, calling the police to report it.
- She didn't want to get involved, but her conscience told her to drop a dime and tell the truth about what she saw.
- The undercover agent had to drop a dime on his criminal associates in order to bring them to justice.
More "Slang" idioms
