drop a dime

phrase

: to inform authorities (such as the police) of another's wrongdoing

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drop a dime was in 1959

Rhymes for drop a dime

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Browse Nearby Words

drop a clanger
drop a dime
drop a hint
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Cite this Entry

“Drop a dime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drop%20a%20dime. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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