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nickel-and-dime

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nickel-and-dime someone (to death)

Fig. to make numerous small monetary charges that add up to a substantial sum. Those contractors nickel-and-dimed me to death. Just give me the whole bill at one time. Don't nickel-and-dime me for days on end.

nickel-and-dime

  (American informal)

very ordinary and not important

Usage notes: Nickels and dimes are American coins which are very low in value.

(always before noun) We drove along past deserted gas stations and nickel-and-dime diners.