PhrasesHub

Drop in the bucket

    Definitions

      • small or insignificant amount
        To describe a quantity that is extremely small or insignificant in comparison to the overall amount needed or desired.

      • futile effort
        To convey the idea that a small or insignificant effort will not make a significant impact or difference in a larger situation or problem.

      • insufficient contribution
        To suggest that a contribution or effort is not enough to make a meaningful impact or change in a situation or problem.

    Examples of Drop in the bucket

    • The amount of money we raised for the charity was a drop in the bucket compared to what's needed.

      This idiom is used to describe a small and insignificant contribution or amount in comparison to a much larger one. In this example, the money raised is so small that it barely makes a difference in the grand scheme of things, like a small drop falling into a large bucket.

    • His efforts to save the environment were a drop in the bucket compared to the damage being done by big corporations.

      Here, the speaker is implying that the individual's efforts to save the environment are not enough to make a significant impact when compared to the harm being caused by large corporations.

    • The success of our marketing campaign was a drop in the bucket compared to the success of our competitors.

      This idiom is used to describe a small and insignificant success or achievement in comparison to a much larger one. In this example, the success of the marketing campaign is so small that it barely makes a difference in the grand scheme of things, like a small drop falling into a large bucket.

    • Her contribution to the project was a drop in the bucket compared to the workload of the rest of the team.

      Here, the speaker is implying that the individual's contribution to the project is not enough to make a significant impact when compared to the workload of the rest of the team.

    • The impact of the new law on the economy was a drop in the bucket compared to the economic crisis that followed.

      This idiom is used to describe a small and insignificant impact or effect in comparison to a much larger one. In this example, the impact of the new law on the economy is so small that it barely makes a difference in the grand scheme of things, like a small drop falling into a large bucket, when compared to the economic crisis that followed.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "drop in the bucket" is commonly used to describe a small or insignificant amount or effort in comparison to a larger situation or problem. It can convey a sense of futility or hopelessness, as well as inadequacy in contributions or efforts.

    Many times, this phrase is used to emphasize the idea that a larger amount or effort is needed to truly make a difference or have an impact. It can also be used to dismiss a small contribution as being insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

    Origin of "Drop in the bucket"

    The origin of the idiom "drop in the bucket" can be traced back to the Bible. In the book of Isaiah, the phrase "drop in the bucket" is used to describe something small or insignificant in comparison to something much larger. It has also been used in other religious texts and literature, further solidifying its meaning and usage.

    The phrase gained popularity in the 19th century when it was used in a poem by American poet Samuel Woodworth. The poem, titled "The Old Oaken Bucket," used the phrase as a metaphor for a small, insignificant amount of water in comparison to a well full of water. This helped solidify the phrase's usage in everyday language.

    Overall, the idiom "drop in the bucket" has been in use for centuries and its meaning and usage have remained relatively consistent. It is a powerful way to describe something small or insignificant in comparison to something much larger, and it continues to be used in both casual and formal settings.