not a dime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a dime" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that no money is being given or received, often in a context of refusal or lack of payment. Example: "I worked all week, but my boss didn't pay me not a dime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We imploded when we stopped being fiscally responsible and passed the largest entitlement program since LBJ at a cost of nearly a trillion dollars over ten years (not a dime of which we can afford to pay for)!

Huffington Post

"Not a dime.

The New York Times - Health

J.V., New York Not a dime.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not a dime for such arrogance".

The New York Times

"It's all gone, not a dime left," he said.

The New York Times

"I am not a dime a dozen," he roars.

The New Yorker

In truth, Bernstein earned not a dime for his performances.

The New York Times

"He asked for not a dime — zero," Mr. Fisher said.

The New York Times

Trump's initial investment — not a dime — matches his apparent return thus far.

The New Yorker

In fact, not a dime has been added to the Heritage Fund since 1987.

The Economist

Indefatigable vocalists and visionaries are not a dime a dozen, because there may not even be a dozen of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a dime" when you want to emphasize the complete absence of any financial contribution or payment in a clear and concise manner. It's best suited for situations where the lack of money is a significant point.

Common error

Avoid using "not a dime" in overly formal or technical contexts where a more precise financial term would be appropriate. For example, in financial reports, use "zero dollars" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a dime" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a complete absence of money or financial compensation. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used to emphasize that no payment was made or received. The expression carries a negative polarity, highlighting the lack of financial value.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a dime" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase used to express the complete absence of money or financial compensation. Ludwig AI confirms it's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for neutral and journalistic writing. While alternatives like ""not a cent"" or ""absolutely nothing"" exist, "not a dime" is a direct and effective way to emphasize a lack of financial exchange in various situations. Avoid using it in overly formal or technical contexts where more precise language may be required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not a cent

A direct synonym, using a different unit of currency to indicate zero value.

not a penny

Similar to "not a cent", but uses "penny" instead.

not one red cent

An emphatic version of "not a cent", stressing the lack of even a small amount.

no money whatsoever

Emphasizes the complete lack of money in a situation.

zero amount

A more formal way to express no money was exchanged.

absolutely nothing

Emphasizes the complete absence of something, in this case, money.

without any payment

Focuses on the action of not paying, rather than the amount.

nothing at all

Highlights the total absence of any monetary contribution.

no cost

A short and direct way to say that there is no expense involved.

free of charge

Indicates that something is provided without cost.

FAQs

How can I use "not a dime" in a sentence?

You can use "not a dime" to emphasize the complete absence of payment or financial contribution. For example: "I worked all week, but I didn't earn "not a dime"."

What are some alternatives to saying "not a dime"?

Alternatives include "not a cent", "not a penny", or "absolutely nothing", depending on the specific context and the degree of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "not a dime" in formal writing?

While "not a dime" is widely understood, it may be more suitable for informal or journalistic writing. In formal or technical contexts, consider using more precise terms like "zero dollars" or "no payment whatsoever".

What's the difference between "not a dime" and "not a cent"?

The phrases "not a dime" and "not a cent" are nearly interchangeable, both emphasizing the complete lack of money. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Not a dime" might be slightly more common in American English.