nickel-and-dime
UK[ˌnɪkəl ən ˈdaɪm]US[ˌnɪkəl ən ˈdaɪm]
adj
involving or dealing with small amounts of money; insignificant or petty.
v
to drain (someone) of financial resources through numerous small expenses; to treat (someone) in a niggardly or overly frugal manner.
Etymology
the term originates from early 20th-century american english, directly referencing the two smallest common coin denominations in u.s. currency. its literal sense pertained to financial transactions involving trivial sums. the logic of the idiom leverages the cultural association of these coins with minimal value, evolving metaphorically to describe actions or things considered insignificant, petty, or financially draining through accumulated small costs. this evolution from concrete coinage to abstract adjective and verb exemplifies a common process where monetary terms acquire figurative meanings related to value and treatment.
Analysis
this is a compound idiom formed from the names of two low-denomination american coins, 'nickel' (5 cents) and 'dime' (10 cents). the hyphenated form functions as a fixed lexical unit.
Examples
they started a nickel-and-dime operation that eventually grew into a major corporation.
don't nickel-and-dime me over the cost of office supplies; it's counterproductive.
we're tired of the nickel-and-dime fees that get added to every service.