student asking question

How can I use the expression “If I had a nickel for every time, ~”?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

This expression is shortened from the full expression, which is "if I had a nickel for every time I've heard that, I'd be rich." In this case, the mom means she hears her daughter say this a lot. This expression can be used whenever something occurs often, and just means that it's happened so many times that someone could be rich if they got a nickel every single time it has happened. Ex: If I had a nickel for every time I've lost my keys, I'd be rich. This expression can be replaced with other words for money such as "quarter", "dime", or "dollar", although nickel tends to be the most common word used. Ex: If you had a dollar for every time you've been fired, you'd be a wealthy man. Ex: If I had a dime for every time you forgot your homework.

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