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":

nickel bagwooden nickelpenny antein the nick