English · Culture & Society
a drop in the ocean
/ə drɒp ɪn ði ˈəʊ.ʃn̩/
[/ə drɒp ɪn ði ˈəʊ.ʃn̩/]
tiny amount
Intermediatephrase
Definition
A very small amount compared with the much larger amount that is needed.
Example
The donation helped, but it was a drop in the ocean against the scale of the disaster.
The donation helped, but it was a drop in the ocean against the scale of the disaster.
Etymology
A biblical image from Isaiah, where nations are 'as a drop of a bucket'; the ocean form is later.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for stressing how small a contribution is relative to the need.