on a dime
Related to on a dime: stop on a dime, worse for wear
on a dime
1. With agile precision, especially with limited room to maneuver. Primarily heard in US. He stopped on a dime to catch that ball—look at that agility! The steering is so good on this car that you can turn on a dime, even at high speeds.
2. In an instant; very quickly, rapidly, or abruptly. He's usually a nice guy, but his temper can turn on a dime sometimes.
See also: dime, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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]
See also: dime, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on a dime
1 (of a manoeuvre that can be performed by a moving vehicle or person) within a small area or short distance. 2 quickly or instantly. US informalThe British equivalent to sense 1 is on a sixpence (see sixpence).
See also: dime, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on a ˈdime
(American English) (British English less frequent on a ˈsixpence)1 in a short space or small area: A 3000 ton train doesn’t stop on a dime. These racing boats can turn on a dime.
2 quickly or suddenly: Market conditions can turn on a dime (= change quickly). This information enables us to respond to new opportunities on a dime.
A dime is a small coin of the US and Canada which is worth ten cents.
See also: dime, on
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
on a dime
At a precise point; within a narrowly defined area: a sports car that stops on a dime.
See also: dime, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- turn on a sixpence
- sixpence
- on a sixpence
- on a tickey
- room for/to maneuver
- not worth a dime
- dime
- turn on a dime
- dozen
- maneuver