A dime a dozen

Meaning

Very common and of little value.

Usage

Used when something is plentiful and not special.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Refers to the low price of a dime-per-dozen goods sold on streets.

Recorded in early 20th-century American marketplaces describing cheap items.