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It is perhaps one of the most famous quotes in the Jurassic Park movie:

Dennis Nedry: Don't get cheap on me, Dodgson. That was Hammond's mistake.
Source: IMDb > Dennis Nedry (Character) > Quotes
[video of the scene]

Can anyone please tell me what it means exactly?

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I don't recall the context in the movie, but in general:

cheap: inexpensive or of poor quality.

I got an extra dozen eggs this week because they were cheap.

I didn't buy the bookcase because it looked flimsy and cheap.

slang: "cheap shot" is a verbal or physical attack that is very easy and considered cheating)

The comment about Andy's hair was a cheap shot, he already feels bad about it.

"Cheap" can refer to either the cost of a thing, or to describe a person that only likes cheap things.

My Dad is too cheap to buy new paint.

"Don't _ on me": Don't do this around me or to me or in a way that affects me.

Don't eat all the ice cream on me.

So the phrase "Don't get cheap on me." could mean one of:

  • You need to spend more money/time on something for me.
  • You need to think about money less.
  • You should not tease/attack me like that.
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  • Thanks. I think the first option at the end of your comment would be the answer for this phrase based on the story's context
    – Jami
    Commented Jun 3, 2014 at 20:13
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    The context is that a waiter has just placed a bill between the two characters. I've edited a link to the video into the question if you're interested.
    – Tyler James Young
    Commented Jun 3, 2014 at 20:49
  • Yes, in that case the speaker thinks the other person should pay the bill.
    – Denise Skidmore
    Commented Jun 3, 2014 at 22:06

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