PhrasesHub

A drop in the ocean

    Definitions

      • insignificant amount
        To describe a small or insignificant amount in comparison to a larger whole or problem. Often used to express the idea that the contribution or action being taken is not enough to make a significant impact.

      • futile effort
        To convey the idea that something is not worth the effort or time because it will not make a difference in the grand scheme of things. Often used to discourage someone from taking action or to express frustration with a seemingly endless task.

      • small part of a larger whole
        To represent a small and insignificant part of a much larger whole. Often used to emphasize the vastness or complexity of a situation or issue.

    Examples of A drop in the ocean

    • Despite donating a significant amount of money to charity, Sarah still feels like a drop in the ocean when it comes to making a real difference in the world.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where an individual's contribution is small and insignificant in comparison to the overall size or magnitude of the issue at hand. In this example, Sarah's charitable donations are compared to the vastness of the world's problems, highlighting the fact that her efforts are just a small drop in the ocean of need.

    • The company's latest marketing campaign has been a drop in the ocean, failing to make a significant impact on sales.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a plan or strategy has been ineffective or unsuccessful. In this example, the company's marketing campaign is compared to a drop in the ocean, implying that it has had little to no impact on sales, just as a single drop in the ocean has little effect on the overall body of water.

    • The government's efforts to combat climate change have been a drop in the ocean, with little progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where an individual or organization's actions have been inadequate or insufficient in addressing a particular issue. In this example, the government's efforts to combat climate change are compared to a drop in the ocean, highlighting the fact that their actions have had little impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, just as a single drop in the ocean has little effect on the overall body of water.

    • The new product launch was a drop in the ocean, with disappointing sales figures.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a new product or service has failed to generate significant sales or revenue. In this example, the new product launch is compared to a drop in the ocean, implying that it has had little impact on sales, just as a single drop in the ocean has little effect on the overall body of water.

    • The singer's latest album release was a drop in the ocean, failing to make a significant impact on the charts.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a new album or musical release has failed to generate significant popularity or success. In this example, the singer's latest album release is compared to a drop in the ocean, implying that it has had little impact on the charts, just as a single drop in the ocean has little effect on the overall body of water.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a drop in the ocean" is used to describe something that is small or insignificant in comparison to a larger whole or problem. It can be used to convey the idea of an insignificant amount or a futile effort, and is often used to emphasize the vastness or complexity of a situation.

    Origin of "A drop in the ocean"

    The phrase "a drop in the ocean" has been in use since at least the 17th century, with its origins likely stemming from the idea of a small amount of water being added to a vast ocean. This imagery is often used to illustrate the idea of something being insignificant or having little impact.

    The phrase has also been linked to the biblical story of Noah's Ark, where a great flood covered the earth and only a small number of people and animals were saved. This could be seen as a metaphor for the idea of a small group or action being insignificant in the face of a larger disaster or problem.

    Overall, the origin of this idiom is likely rooted in the concept of something being tiny or insignificant in comparison to something much larger, and it has remained a popular phrase in the English language to convey this idea.