nickel-and-dime meaning and definition

NICKEL-AND-DIME verb

Definition of nickel-and-dime (verb)

1. spend money frugally; spend as little as possible
   • synonyms: penny-pinch
2. accumulate gradually
   • "she nickeled-and-dimed together a small house for her family"

NICKEL-AND-DIME adjective

Definition of nickel-and-dime (adjective)

1. of minor importance
   • "a nickel-and-dime operation run out of a single rented room"; "a small-time actor"
   • synonyms: small-time
2. low-paying
   • "a nickel-and-dime job"