nickel and dime
The idiom "nickel and dime" originated in the US, reflecting practices involving small amounts of money that can add up significantly.
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Definition
B2General
(colloquial, idiomatic)To charge or accumulate small amounts of money that add up to a significant sum.
Example
- The hotel nickel and dimed us with extra charges for Wi-Fi and parking.
- Over time, these small fees can really nickel and dime you.
B2General
(colloquial, idiomatic)To treat someone in a petty or stingy manner by making numerous small financial demands or charges.
Example
- The company was known to nickel and dime its employees on expense reimbursements.
- She felt nickel and dimed by all the additional costs in the contract.
B2General
(colloquial, idiomatic)To focus on or worry about small, insignificant details or expenses.
Example
- Stop nickel and diming over every little expense and focus on the big picture.
- He tends to nickel and dime every aspect of the project, which slows down progress.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "nickel and dime":