Meaning: This idiom means that something is very common and of little value. It implies that the item or thing being referred to is easily available and not rare.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “In today’s digital age, online scams are a dime a dozen.”
- “Job applicants with basic qualifications are a dime a dozen; we need someone with specialized skills.”
- “Cheap souvenirs from the tourist shops are a dime a dozen.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “a dime a dozen” dates back to the early 20th century in the United States. A dime, which is worth ten cents, was a small amount of money even then, and the phrase originally referred to items that could be bought in large quantities for very little money. For instance, products like eggs, candies, or other inexpensive goods could often be bought at this rate. Over time, the phrase evolved to refer more generally to anything that is plentiful and not particularly valuable or unique.
