On a dime Meaning in English
expression
ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈdaɪm
ON-uh-DYM
ˈɒn/ /æɪ/ /dˈaɪm
ON-uh-DYM
Definition
Used to describe something happening very quickly or in a very small space, like turning or changing direction "on a dime."
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in informal speech, especially in American English. Often refers to vehicles or people making quick, precise movements. It can also mean to change something suddenly. Not used for money or literal dimes here.
Spanish: en un instante - en un lugar muy pequeñoPortuguese (BR): de repente - em um espaço muito pequenoPortuguese (PT): de repente - num espaço muito pequenoChinese (Simplified): 立刻 - 在极小空间内Chinese (Traditional): 立刻 - 在極小空間內Hindi: एकदम तुरंत - बहुत छोटी जगह मेंArabic: على الفور - في مساحة صغيرةBengali: এক ঝটকায় - মুহূর্তের মধ্যেRussian: на месте - мгновенноJapanese: その場で - 瞬時にVietnamese: ngay lập tức - trong chớp mắtKorean: 순식간에 - 아주 좁은 공간에서Turkish: bir anda - anında - dar alandaUrdu: فوراً - ایک دمIndonesian: seketika - di tempat yang sempit
Example Sentences
The new car can turn on a dime.
basic
She changed her mind on a dime.
basic
This small robot can spin on a dime.
basic
Our plans can change on a dime, so stay flexible.
natural
That bike stops on a dime—the brakes are amazing.
natural
This dancer can spin on a dime—it's impressive to watch.
natural