PhrasesHub

A dime a dozen

    Definitions

      • Common or cheap
        To describe something or someone as being very common or easily obtained, often with a negative connotation

      • Worthless or insignificant
        To imply that something has little value or importance, often used in a sarcastic or dismissive manner

      • Abundant or plentiful
        To indicate that something is readily available or in large quantities, often without much effort or cost

    Examples of A dime a dozen

    • The market is flooded with cheap, low-quality products that are a dime a dozen.

      This idiom is used to describe an abundance of items that are easily replaceable and have little value. It implies that these products are so common and inexpensive that they are essentially worthless, like a dime (a 10-cent coin) that is no longer in circulation.

    • The sales department is hiring new representatives at a dime a dozen.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where there is an excessive number of people applying for a position. It implies that the job is so common and easily attainable that it doesn't require any exceptional qualifications or skills.

    • In the world of fashion, designer knockoffs are a dime a dozen.

      This idiom is used to describe the prevalence of imitation products that are cheaply made and designed to resemble high-end brands. It implies that these knockoffs are so common and easily obtainable that they are essentially worthless, like a dime that is no longer in circulation.

    • The housing market is filled with foreclosed properties that are a dime a dozen.

      This idiom is used to describe an abundance of properties that are being sold at a low price due to foreclosure. It implies that these properties are so common and easily attainable that they are essentially worthless, like a dime that is no longer in circulation.

    • The stock market is filled with penny stocks that are a dime a dozen.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where there are many low-priced stocks that are easily obtainable. It implies that these stocks are so common and easily attainable that they are essentially worthless, like a dime that is no longer in circulation. However, it should be noted that while some penny stocks may be worthless, others may have the potential for significant returns.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a dime a dozen" is often used to describe things or people that are very common or easily obtained, with a negative connotation. It can also be used to imply that something has little value or importance, often in a sarcastic or dismissive manner. Additionally, it can be used to indicate that something is abundant or plentiful, often without much effort or cost.

    Origin of "A dime a dozen"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the late 19th century in the United States. During this time, the standard price of a dozen eggs was around 10 cents, or a dime. This made the phrase "a dime a dozen" a common way to describe something that was very cheap or easily obtainable.

    Over time, the meaning of the phrase evolved to also include things that were common or of little value. This could be due to the fact that items that were priced at a dime a dozen were seen as less desirable or of lower quality. It is also possible that the phrase was influenced by other idioms, such as "a dime a dozen eggs," which was used to describe something that was very plentiful.

    Today, the idiom is still commonly used in both American and British English to describe something or someone that is very common, cheap, or of little value. It is often used in a negative context to suggest that the thing being described is not unique or special in any way.