on a dime

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a dime" is a common phrase used in written English and informal conversations.
It typically means to quickly change direction or move very quickly or abruptly. For example, "He stopped the car on a dime when he saw the deer in the road."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under her spell, my fortunes have turned on a dime.

The New York Times

"They just turn on a dime,"he says.

Forbes

Turning on a dime, her character sizzles.

Huffington Post

On a dime".

The New Yorker

On a dime, autumn arrives.

The New Yorker

"Things changed on a dime".

The New York Times

"Cuts on a dime.

The New York Times - Sports

And emotions can change on a dime.

The New York Times

It does not turn on a dime.

The New York Times

Famines do not turn on a dime.

The New York Times

It can turn on a dime".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a dime" to vividly describe situations where a quick change in direction or action is critical, such as driving, sports, or business strategies. This adds a sense of urgency and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "on a dime" in contexts where a literal, physical dime is relevant. The phrase is figurative and should describe agility or sudden shifts, not actual monetary transactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a dime" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It describes actions characterized by suddenness, precision, and efficiency. Ludwig provides examples of it modifying verbs like 'turn', 'stop', or 'change'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a dime" is a versatile idiom used to describe the ability to change direction or stop with remarkable speed and precision. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, remember to use it figuratively to emphasize agility and responsiveness, avoiding literal interpretations. Alternatives like "abruptly" or "instantaneously" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific context. This phrase is considered grammatically correct and adds vividness to descriptions of quick actions or shifts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an instant

Highlights the brief duration within which the change occurs.

immediately

Similar to instantaneously but with a slightly broader application.

in a flash

Emphasizes the speed and suddenness of the action.

in the blink of an eye

Similar to "in a flash", emphasizing the speed and near-impossibility of noticing the change.

abruptly

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb emphasizing suddenness.

like lightning

Uses a simile to convey extreme speed and suddenness.

instantaneously

Focuses on the immediacy of the change or action, rather than the precision.

at once

Implies immediacy but lacks the sense of precision turning.

without hesitation

Focuses on the decisiveness and lack of delay in taking action.

on the spot

Highlights the lack of preparation or planning involved.

FAQs

How can I use "on a dime" in a sentence?

The phrase "on a dime" typically describes the ability to change direction or stop very quickly. For example, "The car stopped "on a dime" to avoid hitting the pedestrian" or "She can turn "on a dime" when dancing".

What does "on a dime" mean?

The phrase "on a dime" is an idiom that means being able to change direction or stop very quickly and precisely. It's often used to describe agility or responsiveness in various contexts.

What are some synonyms for "on a dime"?

Alternatives to "on a dime" include "abruptly", "instantaneously", or "immediately". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'stop on a dime'?

Yes, "stop on a dime" is a correct and common usage of the phrase. It means to stop very quickly and within a small distance. It is often used to describe braking performance or agility.