The dime is the smallest American coin—18 mm in diameter, less than 3/4 of an inch. If the driver of a car were to slam on the brakes and the car came to a complete stop within three-fourths of an inch, that would be practically miraculous. The idiom simply means “stops quickly.”.
Just so, what does the phrase stop on a dime mean?
Verb. (third-person singular simple present stops on a dime, present participle stopping on a dime, simple past and past participle stopped on a dime) (intransitive, idiomatic, US) To stop dead; stop quickly. Don't tell me to drive real fast in this heavy traffic. You know I can't stop on a dime.
Furthermore, can turn on a dime? To "turn on a dime" is usually an expression you hear when referring to high performance cars, airplanes, boats, etc. Since a dime is the smallest U.S. coin, the ability to "turn on it" is a figure of speech meaning you can change direction very quickly in a very small space.
Herein, where does the expression turn on a dime come from?
Something that turns on an dime changes direction very quickly, more or less instantaneously. The origin of the expression goes back to to high performance cars, airplanes, boats. The ability to turn around on the smallest of coins implies that you can turn very quickly in a very small space.
Where did the phrase drop of a hat come from?
To do something at the drop of a hat means to do it immediately, without delay and at the slightest provocation. The idiom may have come from the American Old West, when various fights, contests and duels began with a signal consisting of a man grabbing his hat and thrusting it toward the ground.
Related Question Answers
What does on the dime mean?
on a dime. In a very small space, suddenly, as in That horse is so well trained it can turn on a dime. This expression alludes to the fact that the dime is the smallest-size U.S. coin. [What does the idiom nickel and dime mean?
(US, idiomatic, colloquial) To charge, or be charged, several unexpected small amounts of money, often in the form of fees, taxes, or related expenses to a venture, which when taken as a whole add up to a significant unexpected cost. I got nickel and dimed to death by the phone company's sneaky extra charges.What does turn on a sixpence mean?
1. To turn quickly or with agile precision, especially with limited room to maneuver. Primarily heard in UK. The steering is so good on this car that you can turn on a sixpence, even at high speeds. Politicians have no loyalty to their causes—they'll turn on a sixpence if it means they'll get more votes.What does the phrase dime a dozen mean?
A dime a dozen. The phrase a dime a dozen refers to something very plentiful, common, and therefore, inexpensive. A phrase that began as a way to tout good value for the money evolved into a phrase that means something nearly worthless by virtue of its commonness and easy availability.What does it mean when someone calls you a dime?
noun. a very attractive person; "a perfect ten". Frequently, attractiveness is rated on "a scale of 1 to 10." In the United States, a dime is worth 10 cents. Hence, a "dime" is one whose attractiveness rates 10 on the scale. Also dime piece.Can't hold a candle to you meaning?
can't hold a candle to. An expression describing a person or thing that is distinctly inferior to someone or something else: “Senator Nelson is extremely knowledgeable, but as a speaker, he can't hold a candle to Senator Delano.”What does Stiff Upper Lip mean?
A person who is said to have a stiff upper lip displays fortitude and stoicism in the face of adversity, or exercises great self-restraint in the expression of emotion. A sign of weakness is trembling of the upper lip, hence the saying keep a stiff upper lip.What does at a drop of a hat mean?
When you use the expression 'At the Drop of a Hat' you mean that something is. happening instantly, without any delay. Example of use: “We're all packed and ready to go; we can leave at the drop of a hat.”What is the meaning of beat around the bush?
(idiomatic) To treat a topic, but omit its main points, often intentionally. (idiomatic) To delay or avoid talking about something difficult or unpleasant. Just stop beating around the bush and tell me what the problem is!What does ball is in your court mean?
ball's in your court, the. It's your responsibility now; it's up to you. For example, I've done all I can; now the ball's in your court. This term comes from tennis, where it means it is the opponent's turn to serve or return the ball, and has been transferred to other activities. [ Second half of 1900s]What does going back to the drawing board mean?
back to the drawing board. A saying indicating that one's effort has failed, and one must start all over again: “The new package we designed hasn't increased our sales as we'd hoped, so it's back to the drawing board.”Can you take a rain check?
take a rain check. To refuse an offer or invitation but with the hope or promise that it can be postponed to a later date or time. I'm sorry, but I'll have to take a rain check for dinner this Saturday.What does bone to pick mean?
The idiom bone to pick means to have something you want to discuss with another person or organization. The discussion topic is usually something bad, like hurt feelings or a wrongdoing. All sources agree that it comes from a dog gnawing a bone after all the meat is gone.What is the meaning of Take Heart?
Verb. (idiomatic) to be courageous; to regain one's courage. Take heart, help will arrive shortly and everything will be fine. 
