nickel-and-dime: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘nickel-and-dime’ mean?
The idiom "nickel-and-dime" means to deal with small amounts of money, often in a trivial or inconsequential manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "Yankee dime" refers to a small amount of money, often given as a tip or a small payment. The term "Yankee" signifies the American culture, while a "dime" denotes a ten-cent coin. Together, the idiom implies a modest sum of money.
The idiom "on the money" means to be exactly correct or accurate.
The idiom "on the breadline" means to be in a state of poverty or financial hardship.
The idiom "on someone's dime" means that someone is paying for something on another person's behalf, usually referring to expenses or costs. It implies that someone else is covering the expenses, taking responsibility for the payment.
The idiom "odds and ends" refers to various small, miscellaneous things that do not belong to a specific category and are often considered unimportant or insignificant.
The idiom "not worth a plug nickel" means something has little or no value. The phrase "plug nickel" refers to a coin that is worthless or has no purchasing power.
The idiom "not worth a dime" means something or someone does not have any value or is not valuable. It suggests that the thing or person is not worth even a small amount of money.
The idiom "not much of anything" means a lack of substance, value, or importance. It implies that there is very little or almost nothing in terms of quantity, quality, or significance.
The idiom "no biggie" is commonly used informally to express that something is not a problem or not a significant issue.
The Evolution of Frugal Currency
The phrase "nickel-and-dime-idiom-meaning-and-origin-2/">nickel and dime" is commonly used in American English to describe a situation where someone is being cheated or taken advantage of in small or inconsequential ways. It has a negative connotation and often conveys a sense of frustration or annoyance.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 20th century, although the exact timeframe is uncertain. The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of "nickel and dime," which refers to small increments of money. When used in the context of the idiom, it implies that the person or entity responsible for nickel-and-diming is overly concerned about small amounts of money or excessively thrifty.
This idiom is frequently employed in relation to business transactions. For example, it may be used to describe a situation where a company charges excessive fees or adds unnecessary additional charges for minor services. In such cases, the person or entity is perceived to be taking advantage of others by imposing burdensome costs or fees.
Similarly, the idiom can be used in interpersonal situations. For instance, it can describe a scenario where an individual is constantly burdened with small and insignificant requests or obligations. In these situations, the person being nickel-and-dimed may feel exploited or unfairly treated.
An example usage of the idiom could be: "I'm tired of being nickel-and-dimed by this airline every time I fly with them. They charge extra for everything from checked bags to in-flight snacks."
It is important to note that the idiom "nickel and dime" is generally used to express frustration or annoyance at the perceived unfairness or inconvenience of the situation. It may convey a sense of being taken advantage of and can also imply a lack of respect or consideration from the person or entity responsible for nickel-and-diming.
Additionally, the idiom "nickel and dime" is related to two other idioms: "nickel" and "dime's worth." When someone says "nickel" in the context of this idiom, it refers to a five-cent coin. This idiomatic usage suggests that something is of little value or significance. For example, one might say, "Don't worry about his opinion, it's just a nickel." Essentially, this means that the person's opinion is not important or worth considering.
The other related idiom is "dime's worth." In this case, the word "dime" refers to a ten-cent coin. When someone says "not worth a dime" or "not worth a dime's worth," they are indicating that something has little or no value or importance. This can be used to describe a person, an idea, or even an object. For instance, one might say, "That old watch isn't worth a dime," meaning that the watch has no value or is worthless.
Overall, the idiom "nickel and dime" is commonly used in American English to convey frustration about being cheated or taken advantage of in small or inconsequential ways. Its origin can be traced back to the early 20th century, and it continues to be used in various contexts today. While its meaning is clear, its significance and implications may vary depending on the individual and the specific situation.
Example usage
1. The company decided to nickel-and-dime their customers by charging extra fees for every little service.
2. I hate how some airlines try to nickel-and-dime passengers by charging for baggage, seat selection, and even snacks.
3. The restaurant's business model is to nickel-and-dime customers by charging for each item separately, rather than including it in a fixed price.
More "Financial" idioms
