not worth a plugged nickel
not worth a plugged nickel
obsolete Completely worthless or useless; having little or no value. Refers to coins (not only nickels) that were "plugged"—that is, those that had a hole drilled in their center and were filled with cheaper metals—which made the coins illegitimate and worthless if spotted. Primarily heard in US. I was so excited when my grandpa said he'd give me his car, but this old clunker isn't worth a plugged nickel. Over the years working here I've come to realize that the boss's promises aren't worth a plugged nickel.
See also: nickel, not, plug, worth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
not worth a plugged nickel
of no value. USA plugged coin has had a part removed and the space filled with base material.
1991 R. Hawkey & R. Bingham Wild Card If as much as a whisper gets out…none of our lives are going to be worth a plugged nickel.
See also: nickel, not, plug, worth
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
not worth a plugged nickel
mod. worth little or nothing. This new battery is not worth a plugged nickel.
See also: nickel, not, plug, worth
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- be not worth a plug nickel
- not worth a plug nickel
- not worth a continental
- not worth beans
- not worth a brass farthing
- be not worth a brass farthing
- not worth a tinker's curse
- not worth a tinker's damn
- not worth a whistle
- a waste of space