nickel-and-dime
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1nick·el–and–dime

adjective \ˌni-kəl-ən-ˈdīm\

Definition of NICKEL-AND-DIME

1
: involving or offering only a small amount of money

First Known Use of NICKEL-AND-DIME

1941

2nickel–and–dime

transitive 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

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

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