"Dollars to buttons" is an idiomatic expression often used in a casual or informal context to convey the idea of a stark contrast or an extreme imbalance in terms of value or significance. It is used when emphasizing that something is relatively worthless or insignificant compared to something else.
This expression draws on the metaphorical notion of comparing the value of dollars, a unit of currency universally recognized as having monetary worth, with the negligible value of buttons, which are usually small and inexpensive objects used to fasten garments. By stating that something is "dollars to buttons," one suggests that the subject in question is so inconsequential or of such little worth in comparison that it can be equated to trading a valuable currency for something relatively insignificant.
The phrase is typically employed to emphasize the lopsidedness or disproportion between two entities, actions, or outcomes, implying that one is overwhelmingly superior or dominant while the other is trivial or negligible. For instance, if someone states that an experienced professional athlete competing against amateurs in a contest would win "dollars to buttons," it means that the athlete is so much better than the amateur competitors that their victory would be assured without question.
In summary, "dollars to buttons" is an idiomatic expression indicating a significant imbalance of value or significance, metaphorically comparing something valuable (dollars) to something of lesser worth (buttons).