Our family loves the Durango and Silverton train ride through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. However, that train will not stop on a dime. It requires time to slow down.

On a dime has two main meanings.

Both refer to precise movement.

 On a dime often means quickly.

The Durango and Silverton train cannot stop quickly. Other vehicles can. Since a dime is the smallest coin in the United States, that implies little time to stop.

This expression also means a small space to move.

Some drivers claim their cars will turn on a dime. Of course, cars need good drivers to turn that well.

People also turn on a dime.

That can be good or bad.

We desire the ability to move quickly:

• In emergencies.
• When playing sports

We prefer not to:

• Suddenly lose our tempers
• Change jobs without warning

Sometimes, easy does it works better.

If we move too fast, particularly in tight situations, our haste makes waste. We end up in trouble.

Whether we act slowly or quickly, let’s always move under God’s leadership.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:10 NIV).

Thanks to Marita Smeathers Mantooth for the suggestion. Image by DavidMcConnell from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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