definitions

on a dime

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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RELATED WORDS

instantaneously, immediately, directly, forthwith, now, away, pronto, right, spontaneously, PDQ, double-time, instanter

Nearby words

oms, omsk, omuta, omw, on, on a dime, on a first-name basis, on a limb, on a par with, on a pedestal, put, on a rampage
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.