drop in the ocean
2
3.8
- idiom
- Informal
:
una gota en el océano
- The number of volunteers we have is merely a drop in the ocean when considering the community's needs.
- Just a drop in the ocean
And you're, you're you, you're a drop in the ocean.
- And you're, you're you, you're a drop in the ocean.
- Now, this, of course, is a drop in the ocean of the hundreds of forgeries flooding the art market today.
Examples
-
While his donation was generous, it was still a drop in the ocean compared to the total funding required.
-
I know that my work is only a drop in the ocean.
Blog text (23) -
The work of this group may be a drop in the ocean, but it's a practical beginning, started only 9 months ago.
Blog text (12) -
"It's a small drop in the ocean when it comes to driving forward broadband in the UK," he said.
Blog text (12) -
When I consider what I am doing, I think I am helping, but once in a while, like today, I realize that there is so much to be done and my part feels like a drop in the ocean.
Blog text (33) -
Now, this, of course, is a drop in the ocean of the hundreds of forgeries flooding the art market today.
-
"This is a drop in the ocean of the problems we've been fighting," Skandrani said.
Blog text (10) -
Yet Durville warns that these appointments will be "a drop in the ocean if you consider the number we actually need in order to do our job."
Academic text (2010) -
The money raised for the charity was just a drop in the ocean compared to the amounts needed for long-term projects.
Synonyms
15
4.9
A very small amount that does not help with a much larger problem
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 compared with what is needed
Antonyms
How Much
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a very small or insignificant amount' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'drop' (a tiny bead of liquid) with 'in the ocean' (a vast body), where the size contrast conveys insignificance. This concrete spatial metaphor is common across languages and follows normal compositional imagery, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer the intended meaning.
Etymology
Drop in the ocean creates a simple image: a tiny drop falls into a huge ocean and seems to disappear. That's why it means 'a very small or insignificant amount' compared to something much larger.