nickel and dime

Definition

Small time; operating on a small scale; involving small amounts of money; petty or cheap.

Etymology

From the names of two US coins of small value.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: two-bit, ten-cent"
• "I bought my new ride from some nickel and dime used-car salesman."
• "Don't waste your time with that; their operations are nickel and dime."