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

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

Since then, the theory was confirmed, as the lower border stopped multiple intraday rallies, while the brief surge last week was stopped on a dime at the upper border.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 31, 2026

From Champions League toe-pokes to swivelling on a dime in baggy blaugrana, the Ballon d'Or winner's very presence was enough to tune in for.

From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2026

Stop on a dime and get into something else.

From "Tradition" by Brendan Kiely

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Related Words

• directly
• immediately
• instantaneously
• right away

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