[Idiom] DIME A DOZEN. - Exploring Commonness and Value in English Expressions

very common and of no particular value

The idiom 'Dime a dozen' refers to items so common that they hold little value or uniqueness. Picture this: dimes, once upon a time, were very inexpensive, thus the idiom humorously highlights how some things are as cheap as dimes, and as plentiful too. Examples of its usage could be during discussions about ideas or objects that lack uniqueness, such as generic coffee shops or mass-produced T-shirts. When someone says, 'Those types of mobile phones are a dime a dozen,' they imply that such phones are everywhere and easily obtainable, thus not special.

Example Sentences

1. Good ideas are a dime a dozen, but execution is rare.

   Good ideas are common, but successful execution is rare.

2. In a big city, job applicants can seem like a dime a dozen.

   In a big city, job applicants are very common.

3. Cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen in tourist areas.

   Cheap souvenirs are very common in tourist areas.