another day, another dollar
Meaning
A resigned way to say each day brings the same routine work and small pay; just getting through the day.
Origin
Likely modeled on earlier sayings like “another day, another dollar” and “another day, another dime” from working-class speech, reflecting daily wage labor and the monotony of routine work; widely popularized in 20th‑century American English.
Notes
Colloquial, mildly cynical/resigned. Often used as a brief reply meaning “same old routine.” Not formal; usually about work and everyday grind.
Examples
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I’m not thrilled about this shift, but another day, another dollar.
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He sighed, grabbed his toolbox, and muttered, “Another day, another dollar.”
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The commute was terrible, but once I sat down at my desk I thought, another day, another dollar.
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We’re doing the same routine again—another day, another dollar.
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After clocking out at midnight, she laughed and said, “Another day, another dollar.”
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually a stand-alone comment or reply (often with a pause/comma). Fixed wording; sometimes seen as “another day, another dollar.” You can prefix with “Well,” or “Just,” but rarely change the nouns.
Synonyms
- same old, same old
- back to the grind
- the daily grind
- just another day
Antonyms
- living the dream
- exciting new day