drop in the pond
- idiom
- Informal
:
una gota en el estanque
- Their donation was just a drop in the pond given the scale of the disaster.
Examples
-
The extra resources turned out to be a drop in the pond during the economic crisis.
-
Offering one solution is merely a drop in the pond when the problems are so complex.
-
It's just a drop in the pond!
-
This donation is a drop in the pond.
-
The amount raised for the charity was only a drop in the pond compared to the vast needs of the community.
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Despite their efforts, the funds collected were merely a drop in the pond against the ongoing crisis.
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Her contribution seemed like a drop in the pond when considering the overall project budget.
Synonyms
15
4.9
A very small amount that does not help with a much larger problem
2
3.8
A very small amount compared with what is needed
2
9.9
Something of little or no worth
1
9.1
A very small amount with little effect on a big problem
A very small amount compared with what is needed
A very small amount that is not enough
Antonyms
How Much
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a very small or insignificant amount' is directly inferable from the literal image of a 'drop' located 'in' a larger body of water ('pond'); the constituents compose transparently to convey smallness relative to a larger whole. This compositional metaphor is common cross-linguistically (e.g. 'drop in the ocean') and follows standard English noun-phrase imagery, so a B1 learner who knows the parts will readily grasp the intended sense.
Etymology
Drop in the pond shows a simple picture: one drop falls into a large pond and makes only a tiny ripple. That's why it means 'a very small or insignificant amount' compared with a much bigger need.