NICKEL-AND-DIME | Definition and Meaning

Definition of Nickel-and-dime

Nickel-and-dime

nick·el-and-dime

Definition/Meaning

(adjective)

small or petty, insignificant or unimportant in scale, scope, standing, or performance;

e.g. She runs a nickel-and-dime store that sells basic groceries and necessities.

(adjective)

only offering/paying a small amount of money or involving a small sum;

e.g. He did odd jobs and nickel-and-dime tasks to earn extra income.

(verb)

to weaken, hinder, or defeat someone/something gradually through a series of small steps, such as through several small attacks or playing overly close attention to minor details or amounts of money;

e.g. Eventually, his constant criticism began to nickel-and-dime their relationship. She tried to nickel-and-dime them by forcing them to pay additional fees.