The phrase a dime a dozen refers to something very plentiful, common, and therefore, inexpensive. A dime is a unit of U.S. currency that is one tenth of a dollar, or ten cents. The dime was first minted in 1796. In the 1800s, many goods such as eggs or apples were advertised to cost a dime a dozen in the United States.

What does dime a dozen mean?

Let's take a closer look at the meaning of the phrase “a dime a dozen." This idiom means something is extremely common, inexpensive or available anywhere.

What is a dime a dozen an example of?

When you say 'A Dime a Dozen' you mean that something is common and almost worthless. Example of use: “Those antique dishes are pretty, but they're a dime a dozen.”