Hello, There is a popular phrase along the lines of 'They nickel and dime you' which means charging people small amounts of money that end up adding up over time. For example, you could say an airline 'Nickels and Dimes you' because after paying for you ticket they want you to pay to check luggage, bring luggage on board as well as for food, drinks, better seating, a blanket and other similar things. I think George Orwell's meaning is different and supposed to be more direct instead of a phrase. "give a nickel but steal a dime" I have never heard this phrase before but it sounds like a phrase and anyone who hears it will immediately understand the intent. I may actually start using it :)