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What is the meaning of drop in the bucket?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 09, 2026

A very small quantity, especially one that is too small. For example, These contributions are just a drop in the bucket; the new church wing will cost thousands more.

Where does the phrase drop in the bucket come from?

The phrase a drop in the bucket has been in use since the 1300s, and is derived from a passage in the Bible found in Isaiah 40:15: “Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance…”

What does in the bucket mean?

in great amounts: The rain came down in buckets. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.

What does the idiom drop in the bucket mean for kids?

C2. a very small amount compared to the amount needed: All the money we raised was just a drop in the bucket.

What is the drop in the bucket problem?

Drop-in-the-bucket definition

(idiomatic) An effort or action having very little overall influence, especially as compared to a huge problem. A $100 donation from an individual is generous, but it is a drop in the bucket compared to the $100,000 fundraising goal.

22 related questions found

What is the meaning of the idiom a drop in the ocean?

Definition of a drop in the ocean

: an amount that is so small that it does not make an important difference or have much effect They need to raise thousands of pounds for this project, so our 20-pound donation is just a drop in the ocean.

What is the meaning of drop in the bucket something to think about seriously something too small to make a difference a pail with only a tiny bit of water inside submit?

' a drop in the bucket: a very small or unimportant amount, especially when compared to something else.

What is the meaning of let sleeping dog lie?

Definition of let sleeping dogs lie

: to ignore a problem because trying to deal with it could cause an even more difficult situation I thought about bringing up my concerns but decided instead to let sleeping dogs lie.

What is the meaning of a gentleman at large?

The meaning of the underlined idiom 'a gentleman at large' is 'A person without any serious occupation'. Example, He sold his business and is now a gentleman at large.

What does it mean to cross that bridge when you come to it?

Definition of cross that bridge when one comes to it

: to not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens I don't know how we'll pay the bills if you quit your job, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

What does bucket mean in slang?

(slang) The rump; buttocks. noun. To carry, draw, or lift (water, etc.) in a bucket or buckets.

What is in your bucket list?

For your convenience, I've included useful resources (hand-picked by me) to aid you in your bucket list quest.

  • Travel all around the world. ...
  • Learn a new language. ...
  • Try a profession in a different field. ...
  • Achieve your ideal weight. ...
  • Run a marathon. ...
  • Take part in a triathlon. ...
  • Take up a new sport.

What does she's a bucket mean?

A stupid or oblivious person. quotations ▼ One who wears a bucket, or a bucket-like object (such as a helmet) on their head.

What is the meaning of the golden mean?

: the medium between extremes : moderation.

What is the meaning of the idiom bad egg?

Definition of bad egg

informal + somewhat old-fashioned. : someone who does bad things He was dishonest, but he was the only bad egg in the group.

What does the phrase high and dry mean?

Definition of high and dry

1 : being out of reach of the current or tide or out of the water. 2 : being in a helpless or abandoned position. Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About high and dry.

What is the meaning of the underlined idiom at the drop of a hat?

When you use the expression 'At the Drop of a Hat' you mean that something is. happening instantly, without any delay. Example of use: “We're all packed and ready to go; we can leave at the drop of a hat.”

What does the phrase give the devil his due mean?

give the devil his due. Give credit to what is good in a disagreeable or disliked person. For example, I don't like John's views on education, but give the devil his due, he always has something important to say, or I don't like what the new management has done, but give the devil his due, sales have improved. [

What is the meaning of the idiom to give up the ghost?

phrase [VERB inflects] If someone gives up the ghost, they stop trying to do something because they no longer believe they can do it successfully. If a machine gives up the ghost, it stops working.

What does it mean on someone's case?

Definition of on someone's case

informal. : frequently criticizing someone or telling someone what to do Her brother is always on her case about the clothes she wears.

Why does Goines say he wrote a letter to the draft board?

In “Let Sleeping Dogs Lie” David Goines describes how he avoided the military service during the Vietnam war, he wrote several letters to the draft board requesting them to be removed from the list for many reasons in order to not being recruited which worked until the war was ended, he did not agree with the military ...

Where did the term Let dead dogs lie come from?

The phrase “let sleeping dogs lie” is a reminder not to bring unnecessary risk or danger upon oneself. The saying originates from the idea that waking a sleeping dog was dangerous, especially if done suddenly. This applies to an even greater extent to guard dogs who once awoken would likely attack.

What are examples of idioms?

Common Idioms in English

  • Getting fired turned out to be a blessing in disguise. ...
  • These red poppies are a dime a dozen. ...
  • Don't beat around the bush. ...
  • After some reflection, he decided to bite the bullet. ...
  • I'm going to call it a night. ...
  • He's got a chip on his shoulder. ...
  • Would you cut me some slack? - Don't be so hard on me.

What is the meaning of the idiom piece of cake?

Definition of piece of cake

: something easily done : cinch, breeze.

What is the meaning of the idiom field day?

Definition of have a field day

: to get a lot of pleasure and enjoyment from doing something —used especially to describe getting enjoyment from criticizing someone, making fun of someone, etc.