a dime a dozen

Register · Informal Informal — used in casual, everyday conversation among friends and family. Avoid in formal writing or professional settings. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

So common as to be of little value.

Why this phrase?

From things once cheap enough to buy twelve for a dime.

Example

“Talented singers are a dime a dozen, but reliable ones are rare.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

bang for your buck Informal · CEFR B1

the value or impact you get for the money or effort spent

few and far between Neutral · CEFR B2

rare and separated by long intervals or distances

the apple of one's eye Neutral · CEFR B2

a person or thing that someone loves and treasures above all others

golden goose Neutral · CEFR C1

a reliable source of money that must be protected, not exploited to death

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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