feed the meter
Insert parking coins
To feed the meter is to add coins or payment to a parking meter to extend your allotted time: I need to run out and feed the meter.
The phrase captures the ongoing obligation—meters consume payment and demand more, like something being fed.
Figuratively, it can describe any recurring payment to maintain access or avoid penalty.
- foot the billPay entire cost
- pennyOne-cent piece
- parking spaceDesignated vehicle slot
- grace periodAllowed delay before consequences
- pay stationCoin-operated public telephone
pick up · time limit · beat the clock · urgency · cash · credit card · parking enforcement · coins · spare change · quarter · curbside parking · contactless payment · digital wallet · time allocation · double park · traffic control · scheduling · street signage