Get off the dime.

Posted by Bob on October 24, 2000

In Reply to: Get off the dime. posted by Actor on October 24, 2000

: This phrase is listed on this webpage, but what does it mean? The actual quote I have is "how are you going to get off the dime you're on?" from an Arthur Miller play. Can anyone help?

It means unable to move from a (stagnating) position. The dime is the (physically) smallest U.S. coin, and its smallness is used in a couple of metaphors (stop on a dime, e.g.) "Get off the dime" is what one says to someone emotionally paralyzed, unable or unwilling to decide to act. A person who should change, but hasn't, such as a person unhappy in a job who cannot or will not apply for a new one.