PhrasesHub

A drop in the bucket

    Definitions

      • a small or insignificant amount
        To describe something as being unimportant or having little impact in comparison to the larger context or issue at hand

      • a small contribution to a larger goal
        To describe a small, but necessary, contribution towards a greater goal or achievement

    Examples of A drop in the bucket

    • Despite the company's efforts to reduce waste, their recycling program is still a drop in the bucket when it comes to addressing the global environmental crisis.

      This idiom is used to describe a small and insignificant contribution in the face of a much larger problem. In this example, the company's recycling program is being compared to the enormity of the global environmental crisis, which is often described as an "ocean" of problems.

    • The donation that the wealthy businessman made to the charity was a drop in the bucket compared to the millions he has amassed throughout his career.

      This idiom is used to describe a small and insignificant amount in comparison to a much larger sum. In this example, the donation is being compared to the businessman's overall wealth, which is often described as a "bucket" full of money.A piece of cake / a walk in the park

    • The final exam was a piece of cake compared to the grueling practice tests we had been studying for.

      This idiom is used to describe an easy and straightforward task in comparison to a more difficult one. In this example, the final exam is being compared to the practice tests, which were more challenging and time-consuming.

    • Planning a surprise party for my friend was a walk in the park compared to the chaos that ensued when we tried to organize a surprise wedding.

      This idiom is used to describe a task that is relatively easy and stress-free in comparison to a more complicated one. In this example, planning a surprise party is being compared to planning a surprise wedding, which was much more complex and unpredictable.Pulling all the stops / leaving no stone unturned

    • The team left no stone unturned in their efforts to win the championship, pulling out all the stops in the final game.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where all possible resources and efforts are being utilized to achieve a goal. In this example, the team is being described as leaving no possible avenue unexplored in their quest for victory.

    • The detective left no stone unturned in his investigation, pulling all the stops to solve the high-profile case.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where all possible resources and efforts are being utilized to achieve a goal. In this example, the detective is being described as leaving no possible avenue unexplored in his pursuit of justice.Bite the bullet / swallow the pill

    • The CEO knew that the layoffs were necessary, but it was still difficult to bite the bullet and make the tough decision.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone musters the courage to face a difficult and unpleasant situation. In this example, the CEO is being described as finding the strength to make a difficult decision, despite the potential negative consequences.

    • The patient had to swallow the pill, no matter how bitter it tasted, in order to receive the necessary treatment.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone musters the courage to face a difficult and unpleasant situation. In this example, the patient is being described as finding the strength to endure a difficult medication, despite its unpleasant taste.Spill the beans / let the cat out of the bag


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a drop in the bucket / a drop in the ocean" is commonly used to convey the idea of something being small or insignificant in comparison to a larger context or goal. It can also be used to express the idea of a small contribution towards a larger goal.

    Origin of "A drop in the bucket"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the Bible, specifically in the book of Isaiah 40:15 which reads, "Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing." This verse compares the nations of the world to a drop in a bucket, emphasizing their insignificance in comparison to God. This biblical reference eventually evolved into the commonly used idiom we know today.

    The phrase "a drop in the ocean" also has a nautical origin. In the past, sailors would use buckets to collect water from the ocean for drinking and washing. They would often say that the bucket they collected was just a drop in the vast ocean, highlighting the insignificance of their efforts.

    Over time, the idiom has become more widely used and can be applied to various situations beyond its original religious and nautical contexts. It is now commonly used in everyday conversations to convey the idea of something being small or unimportant.