What does “Dollars for doughnuts” mean?

"Dollars for doughnuts" means exchanging money for something of lesser value.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He would trade dollars for doughnuts any day.

Example

I wouldn't give you dollars for doughnuts.

Example

It's like trading dollars for doughnuts, it's not worth it

Is “Dollars for doughnuts” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Dollars for doughnuts” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Dollars for doughnuts” effectively in context?

You can use "Dollars for Doughnuts" to express the idea of exchanging money for something of lesser value. It implies that the trade or exchange is not worth it. For example, if someone is offering you a low-quality product at a high price, you might say, 'I wouldn't give you dollars for doughnuts.'

1Buying a Car
He was offered an old car with many issues for a high price. He said, 'I would trade dollars for doughnuts any day.'
2Negotiating a Salary
She was offered a job with a low salary. She thought, 'It's like trading dollars for doughnuts, it's not worth it.'
3Buying a Gift
He saw an expensive item that was poorly made. He thought, 'I wouldn't give you dollars for doughnuts.'

Similar phrases to “Dollars for doughnuts”:

Penny wise, pound foolish

To be careful with small expenses but wasteful with larger ones

Example

He saved money by buying cheap tools, but they broke easily. It was penny wise, pound foolish.

Throwing money down the drain

To waste money on something that has no value or benefit

Example

Spending so much on a brand-name product was like throwing money down the drain.

A fool and his money are soon parted

Someone who is not careful with their money will quickly lose it

Example

He spent all his savings on unnecessary luxuries. A fool and his money are soon parted.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Dollars for doughnuts” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Dollars for Doughnuts" is unknown.

Is “Dollars for doughnuts” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Dollars for Doughnuts" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be used in informal settings or in writing to emphasize the idea of a trade or exchange that is not worthwhile.

What tone does “Dollars for doughnuts” have?

"Dollars for Doughnuts" conveys a tone of skepticism and disbelief. It suggests that the value of the exchange is heavily skewed and not in favor of the person making the trade.

Can “Dollars for doughnuts” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Dollars for Doughnuts" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may not be appropriate for formal situations such as business meetings or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase "Dollars for Doughnuts" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He would trade dollars for doughnuts any day.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Dollars for doughnuts!' to express disbelief or dissatisfaction with a trade or exchange.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

waste money
make a bad deal
get ripped off
lose out
spend money unwisely

Antonyms

a good deal
good value for money
worth every penny
a fair trade
getting your money's worth