nickel-and-dime

²nickel–and–dime

verb

nick·eled–and–dimed\ˌni-kəld-ən-ˈdīmd\ or nick·el–and–dimed\-ən-ˈdīmd\nick·el·ing–and–dim·ing\-ˈdī-miŋ\ or nickel–and–diming

Definition of NICKEL-AND-DIME

transitive verb

1

: to impair, weaken, or defeat piecemeal (as through a series of small incursions or excessive attention to minor details)

2

: to treat (as a person or situation) by paying excessive attention to small amounts of money often with a detrimental effect

First Known Use of NICKEL-AND-DIME

1961