drop a dime

USAGE SUMMARY

"drop a dime" is not proper English and is not considered acceptable in written English.
The phrase "drop a dime" is slang, and is used to mean to inform the authorities or a third party about a particular situation or person. For example, Jamie knew he had done something wrong and was afraid his friend would "drop a dime" on him and notify the police.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

What civilian would drop a dime on a cartel?

The New Yorker

But it's not easy to drop a dime.

The New York Times

(The expression "drop a dime" became slang for informing on someone to the police).

The New York Times

The slang phrase meaning "to inform, betray" used to be to drop a dime.

The New York Times - Magazine

It made you want to drop a dime on the crew and rat to every bull in the burg.

The Guardian - Film

If she took what her husband had hidden, she'd have enough for a new start, and another reason not to drop a dime and phone the police.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Jojo dropped a dime, Mrs. Zegerman.

The New Yorker

The third guy drops a dime in a Wurlitzer.

The New Yorker

"Anybody else would have dropped a dime on me, the big scoop, you know?

The New York Times - Food

Jojo Denton dropped a dime and the cops are right outside".

The New Yorker

While we were talking, one of us dropped a dime on the floor.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "drop a dime", be aware that it is an idiom and may not be understood by everyone, especially non-native English speakers. Consider your audience and choose more direct language if clarity is paramount.

Common error

Avoid using "drop a dime" in formal writing or situations where a professional tone is required. The slang nature of the phrase can undermine your credibility in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "drop a dime" is as an idiomatic verb phrase. It acts as a verb, indicating an action of informing or betraying someone. Ludwig AI states that it isn't proper English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "drop a dime" is an idiomatic expression meaning to inform or betray someone, typically to the authorities. While Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect in standard English, it's a recognized idiom found in various sources, particularly in news and media. The phrase originated from the cost of a call from a payphone, rendering it somewhat dated. When writing, it's crucial to consider your audience and the context, as "drop a dime" is informal and might not be universally understood. Alternatives like "inform on someone" or "report to the authorities" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inform on someone

Uses a more direct and literal phrasing, replacing the idiomatic "drop a dime" with the verb "inform".

report to the authorities

Specifies the recipient of the information, making it more formal than "drop a dime".

snitch

A slang term with a negative connotation, similar to "drop a dime" but perhaps more accusatory.

rat out

Informal and direct, conveying betrayal with potential consequences for the person informed on.

blow the whistle

Suggests revealing misconduct or wrongdoing, adding a layer of moral imperative not necessarily present in "drop a dime".

turn someone in

Implies handing over someone to law enforcement, emphasizing the act of betrayal.

give evidence against

A formal phrase related to court or legal environments, focusing on the provision of proof.

expose

Highlighting the revelation of something previously hidden or secret.

divulge information

A more neutral and broad term for revealing information, without the negative connotations of informing.

make a report

Focuses on the act of creating an official record, rather than the act of informing itself.

FAQs

How to use "drop a dime" in a sentence?

"Drop a dime" is used to indicate informing on someone, usually to the authorities. For example, "He was afraid his neighbor would "drop a dime" on him for the loud parties".

What does "drop a dime" mean?

The phrase "drop a dime" is an idiom that means to inform or betray someone to the authorities, originating from the cost of a phone call from a payphone.

What can I say instead of "drop a dime"?

You can use alternatives like "inform on someone", "report to the authorities", or "blow the whistle" depending on the context.

Is "drop a dime" formal or informal?

"Drop a dime" is considered an informal and slang term. It is best used in casual conversation and avoided in formal writing or professional settings.