anything on the origins of the expression besides this? 
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=%22off+the+dime%22+%22origin%22&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=dpbsmith-0F3258.09575530121999%40news5.bellatlantic.net&rnum=1

has the definition of becoming entrenched in a position evolved from
the original meaning?   anything along those lines...

thanks, kids!
GB

Hi GB!

It seems that the meaning of moving from an entrenched position has
been there from the start, though the entrenchment was more physical
than psychological.  The authorities on slang indicate that the phrase
originated in the 1920s, as an expression meant to get dancers moving
on the dance floor.

Online postings "Get off the Dime" (Dec. 30, 1999 - Jan. 5, 2000)
<alt.usage.english> via Google Groups
http://groups.google.com/groups?threadm=84g307%2414k%241%40sparky.wolfe.net

Online posting, "Re: what's the source of the phrase 'get off the
dime'?", by masakim (2002-06-07)
<alt.english.usage> via Google Groups
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=adraj5%241pt2%241%40nwall2.odn.ne.jp

Online posting, "Re: Get off the Dime", by Frank Lynch (2000/01/03)
<alt.quotations> via Google Groups
http://groups.google.com/groups?selm=38716191.4A472E5C%40samueljohnson.com

- justaskscott


Search terms used on Google Groups (as well as Google Web Search,
which didn't produce results as good as the ones I've cited):

"off the dime" phrase
"off the dime" origin

that's all I found also, ScottieBoy.  I was just looking for a
confirmation outside of Google Groups confirming its origins.  I
wanted to know if the expression went back any further than the 20s. 
thanks for checking.  I know if it had been out there, you would've
found it.