Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
nickel-and-dime
verb
/ˈnɪk.əl.ənˌdaɪm/
Definition
To nickel-and-dime someone means to charge them small amounts of money for something, or to spend a small amount of money on trivial things.
Examples
- The store nickel-and-dimes its customers with unnecessary fees.
- He’s always trying to nickel-and-dime his way to a profit.
- Let’s not nickel-and-dime; let’s focus on the bigger picture.
Meaning
In a broader sense, it refers to treating a person or situation in a petty or small-minded way, often implying that one is trying to make a profit through minor charges.
Synonyms
- penny-pinching
- scrooge
- cheapskate
- petty
