Let’s explore the saying ‘not worth a dime’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom ‘not worth a dime’ is a figurative expression used to indicate that something or someone has little or no value. It suggests that the object or individual in question is of such low quality or importance that it is essentially worthless. This phrase is commonly used to convey disappointment, dissatisfaction, or disdain towards something that fails to meet expectations or standards.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of the phrase ‘not worth a dime’ can be traced back to the value of the dime coin in the United States. Dimes were once considered small but valuable coins, often used in various transactions. Therefore, something that was ‘not worth a dime’ was deemed to have little or no monetary worth. Over time, the expression evolved to encompass broader meanings of worthlessness or insignificance beyond monetary value.
10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations
1. The old bicycle I bought online turned out to be ‘not worth a dime’ as it fell apart after just one ride.
2. After watching the highly anticipated movie, Sarah remarked that it was ‘not worth a dime’ as it failed to live up to the hype.
3. The salesman assured me that the product would last a lifetime, but it broke within a week and proved to be ‘not worth a dime.’
4. Despite its flashy packaging, the new gadget turned out to be ‘not worth a dime’ as it constantly malfunctioned.
5. The restaurant claimed to serve gourmet cuisine, but the food was bland and tasteless, making the meal ‘not worth a dime.’
6. The tour promised breathtaking views, but the fog obscured everything, making the experience ‘not worth a dime.’
7. The book was recommended by a friend, but the plot was predictable and the writing amateurish, making it ‘not worth a dime.’
8. The discount airline offered cheap fares, but the flights were consistently delayed or canceled, making the tickets ‘not worth a dime.’
9. The online course claimed to teach valuable skills, but the content was outdated and poorly presented, making it ‘not worth a dime.’
10. The bargain-priced furniture looked appealing, but it quickly fell apart and proved to be ‘not worth a dime.’
5 Quotes Featuring the Idiom
1. “Some deals may seem too good to be true, but remember, if it’s ‘not worth a dime,’ you’ll end up paying the price in the end.” – Unknown
2. “When it comes to quality, sometimes you get what you pay for; if it’s ‘not worth a dime,’ it’s not worth your time.” – Unknown
3. “Don’t be fooled by appearances; if something’s ‘not worth a dime,’ no amount of polish can make it shine.” – Unknown
4. “Before making a purchase, consider whether it’s an investment or just another item that’s ‘not worth a dime’ cluttering your space.” – Unknown
5. “In a world full of promises and hype, it’s important to discern what’s truly valuable and what’s ‘not worth a dime.’” – Unknown
Idioms Starting From Letter N
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter N. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘N’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the N-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter N.
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