Nickel and Dime: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Nickel and Dime” mean?

"Nickel and Dime" means to charge or pay small amounts of money repeatedly.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The company nickel and dimes its customers with hidden fees.

Example

I'm tired of being nickel and dimed every time I go out to eat.

Example

The airline nickel and dimes passengers for every little extra

Is “Nickel and Dime” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Nickel and Dime” 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 “Nickel and Dime” effectively in context?

You can use "Nickel and Dime" to describe a situation where someone is charging or paying small amounts of money repeatedly. It often implies that these small charges or payments add up and become burdensome. For example, if a company charges customers for various hidden fees, you might say, 'The company nickel and dimes its customers with hidden fees.'

• 1. Business

  The company nickel and dimes its customers with additional charges for every little service.

• 2. Personal Finance

  I'm tired of being nickel and dimed every time I go out to eat. The prices may seem reasonable, but the extra charges add up.

• 3. Travel

  The airline nickel and dimes passengers for every little extra, from baggage fees to in-flight snacks.

Similar phrases to “Nickel and Dime”:

Pinch pennies

To be frugal or thrifty with money

Example

She pinches pennies by cooking at home instead of eating out.

Squeeze blood from a stone

To try to get something from someone who has nothing to give

Example

The debt collector was trying to squeeze blood from a stone when he demanded payment from the bankrupt individual.

Penny-wise and pound-foolish

To be careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with larger amounts

Example

He saved money by buying cheap tools, but they broke easily, making him penny-wise and pound-foolish.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Nickel and Dime” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Nickel and Dime" is unknown.

Is “Nickel and Dime” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Nickel and Dime" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to criticize businesses or situations where small charges or payments accumulate and become burdensome.

What tone does “Nickel and Dime” have?

"Nickel and Dime" conveys a tone of frustration or annoyance. It's often used to express dissatisfaction with the practice of charging or paying small amounts repeatedly.

Can “Nickel and Dime” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Nickel and Dime" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common financial practice. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional correspondence.

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

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company nickel and dimes its customers with hidden fees.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They're always nickel and diming!' to express frustration with a business or situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• charge small amounts repeatedly
• incremental charges
• microtransactions
• hidden fees

Antonyms

• flat rate
• all-inclusive
• one-time payment