To turn on a dime is to change direction quickly (literally or figuratively). This expression can describe strategies, mood, psychology, attitudes, prices, or many other things

To turn on a dime is to change direction quickly (literally or figuratively). This expression can describe strategies, mood, psychology, attitudes, prices, or many other things. For example, you can use turn on a dime when talking about:

• sudden changes of direction with regard to vehicles (cars, boats, airplanes, etc.),
• unexpected changes of opinion,
• mood swings (rapid changes of mood),
• moving to something different or new,
• radical changes (attitude, personality, principles, management, etc.).

Understanding 'on a dime'

The dime is the smallest coin in diameter of the United States (17.91 mm). It is worth ten cents, or one tenth of a US dollar. The idiom to turn on a dime illustrates that a minimum radius turn is rapidly done.

Examples

• Your new car model can turn on a dime.
• Be careful, things can change and turn on a dime.
• Your life can turn on a dime.
• You should be flexible and turn on a dime when necessary.
• Last week Sara was very angry and stressed, but she turned on a dime and now seems happy and cheerful.
• Your software needs the ability to adapt and turn on a dime as new technologies evolve.
• Institutions that have survived for a long time do not usually turn on a dime. They tend to keep their culture and principles.
• The stock market has been bullish for three days, but it can turn on a dime.
• Yes, I plan to travel to Europe but if my boss wants me to stay, I will have to change my plans, that is, I will have to turn on a dime.
• He is really stubborn, so don't expect him to turn on a dime.
• John knows that his arguments are solid, so don't expect him to turn on a dime.
• Rebecca has always believed in God. She is not to turn on a dime now.
• What goes up must come down. In other words, things can turn on a dime.