on a dime

Idioms  

1. In a very small space, suddenly, as in That horse is so well trained it can turn on a dime. This expression alludes to the fact that the dime is the smallest-size U.S. coin. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

on a dime

“This is about Lilly’s ability as a U.S. company to turn on a dime to increase manufacturing,” said a former Novo employee and longtime industry strategist, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 5, 2026

Hence her latest caper, which begins with a mission to track down a vintage desk and turns on a dime into a heist tied to a cache of gold.

From Salon ● Aug. 1, 2026

“I’m willing to change anything on a dime if I see an opportunity,” he told The Journal on Monday.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 2, 2026

For starters, auto makers can’t shift production or plans on a dime.

From Barron's ● Dec. 4, 2025

It turns on a dime, expresses itself in the instant.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Related Words

• directly
• immediately
• instantaneously
• right away