“A dime a dozen” is an idiom in the English language that people use in everyday conversation. You have likely used this expression yourself at some point, but many people don’t know its true meaning. Understand the meaning of this idiom, learn where it came from, and see some example sentences to help you use it in daily conversation.
Meaning of the Idiom
‘A dime a dozen’ is an idiom used to convey that something is abundant, easily accessible, or very common. The expression suggests that the subject, whether it be an item, a commodity, or a person, is so prevalent that it lacks uniqueness or rarity. In everyday language, calling something ‘a dime a dozen’ implies that it is ordinary and readily available.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of ‘a dime a dozen’ is rooted in the concept of value and abundance. The phrase likely originated in the United States in the 19th or early 20th century when a dime represented a small and common unit of currency. Describing something as ‘a dime a dozen’ emphasizes that it is as commonplace and easy to find as a dime. Over time, the idiom became widely used to express the idea of abundance and lack of uniqueness.
10 Idiom Example Sentences
1. In a city like New York, coffee shops are a dime a dozen; you can find one on almost every street corner.
2. With online shopping platforms, fashion accessories have become a dime a dozen, available in countless styles and colors.
3. In the job market, entry-level positions are a dime a dozen, but finding the right fit for your skills may take some effort.
4. With the rise of streaming services, movies and TV shows are a dime a dozen, catering to a wide range of preferences.
5. In a tourist destination like Paris, souvenir shops selling Eiffel Tower keychains are a dime a dozen.
6. Online tutorials make learning new skills a dime a dozen; you can find instructional videos on almost any topic.
7. In the world of online dating, profiles with clichéd descriptions are a dime a dozen, making it challenging to stand out.
8. With recipe blogs on the internet, dessert recipes are a dime a dozen, each claiming to be the best.
9. In a bookstore, romance novels are a dime a dozen, occupying entire sections with various titles and authors.
10. Local flea markets offer vintage items that are a dime a dozen, allowing shoppers to explore a plethora of options.
How to Use ‘A Dime A Dozen’ in Everyday Conversations
Now that you know the meaning and origin of the idiom “a dime a dozen,” let’s see how you can use it in a real-world conversation.
Conversation 1:
Emma and Ryan are talking about job applications.
Emma: I’ve been applying for graphic design jobs, but it seems like every company has tons of applicants.
Ryan: Yeah, graphic designers are a dime a dozen these days. It’s a competitive field.
Emma: I know, but I’m hoping my portfolio helps me stand out.
Ryan: It definitely will. Unique talent is harder to find.
Conversation 2:
Lisa and Tom are discussing trendy coffee shops.
Lisa: There’s a new coffee shop opening downtown. It seems like there’s a new one every month!
Tom: I know! These places are a dime a dozen lately.
Lisa: True, but it’s hard to beat a good cup of coffee.
Tom: Agreed! Let’s see if this one brings something different.
Similar Idioms
1. Ten a Penny
Meaning: This British idiom means something is very common or easy to come by.
Example: These types of souvenirs are ten a penny in tourist areas.
2. Common as Dirt
Meaning: This idiom describes something extremely common or lacking in rarity.
Example: These trendy gadgets are common as dirt now—everyone seems to have one.
Idioms Starting From Letter A
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 A. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘A’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the A-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 A.
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