Dropping a dime

Definition

To provide funding for something from either public or private sources—basically committing money to support a cause or initiative. The financial equivalent of putting your money where your mouth actually is.

Example Usage

The city council finally dropped a dime on fixing the pothole-riddled streets downtown.

Source: Urban Dictionary (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Dropping%20a%20dime&defid=16042234)

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Margin Call

The terrifying phone call from your broker informing you that your borrowed-money bets have gone south and you need to cough up more cash immediately. It's the financial equivalent of your landlord and your bookie showing up at the same time demanding payment.

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operating leverage

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charge

The fee you're about to pay that wasn't mentioned upfront, or the accounting entry that makes your expenses look worse than they already are. It's money levied for services, penalties for existing, or the formal recognition of costs on financial statements. Also, what your credit card company loves to add in mysterious increments.

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liquidation

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disburse

The fancy way to say 'fork over the cash,' typically used when governments or large organizations finally release funds they've been sitting on. It's the financial equivalent of a parent grudgingly handing over allowance money. Always sounds more dignified than 'pay out,' which is exactly why accountants love it.

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