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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

in for a dime, in for a dollar en · X

Pronunciation

  • /ɪn fɔɹ ə ˈdaɪm ɪn fɔɹ ə ˈdɒ.lɚ/
  • (Australia) audio

Etymology

Alteration of “in for a penny, in for a pound”, adapted to the denominations of the American currency (£ & d → $ & ¢). Nevertheless, “in for a penny, in for a pound” is used in the United States as well.

Meanings

  1. (US) Synonym of in for a penny, in for a pound.
    • In for a dime, in for a dollar, he thought crazily, and said what he had to say in a voice he forced to stay level and calm. 1983, Allen Drury, Decision, page 356:
    • I had bought some of Cemp’s MGM stock for myself. “Listen”, I told Edgar, “in for a dime, in for a dollar”. There was no point in selling at $8. If we were going to lose we might as well lose the whole thing. 2003, Leo Kolber, Leo: a life, page 183:
    • In for a dime, in for a dollar. I whispered to Gerry, “Count me in”. Heroin was unromantic, neither sacred nor satanic; it was simply inevitable. 1998, Ellen Miller, Like Being Killed, page 47:
    • This obligation flows from the principle recognized in virtually all jurisdictions that when the policyholder is required to defend any one claim, all elements of the case must be defended (i.e., “in for a dime, in for a dollar”). 1999, David A. Gauntlett, Insurance Coverage for Intellectual Property Assets, page CCXCI:

Relateds

one may as well hang for a sheep as a lamb

Synonyms

in for a pound · in for a penny, in for a pound · in for a penny · in for an inch, in for a mile