accept a wooden nickel

accept a wooden nickel

To accept something that proves to be fraudulent or deceitful; to be swindled or conned. Primarily heard in US. I'm done accepting wooden nickels—capricious women who say they love me, then get bored and decide I'm not worth their time. My husband is a wonderful man, but he has about as much business sense as a grade-schooler. If I had let him accept all the wooden nickels offered flaky customers have tried to peddle on us, we'd have gone bankrupt years ago.
See also: accept, nickel, wooden

don't take any wooden nickels

Take care and, specifically, try not to get swindled. The phrase is thought to have originated in the early 20th century when country residents visiting the city were considered easily duped. Primarily heard in US. Have fun tonight and don't take any wooden nickels!
See also: any, nickel, take, wooden
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

accept a wooden nickel

be fooled or swindled. US
A wooden nickel is a worthless or counterfeit coin.
See also: accept, nickel, wooden
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • don't take any wooden nickels
  • swindle
  • swindle (one) out of (something)
  • swindle out of
  • be sold a bill of goods
  • get screwed
  • catch not at the shadow and lose the substance
  • take the shadow for the substance
  • steal (one) blind
  • steal someone blind