DROP IN THE OCEAN

drop in the ocean: translation

a drop in the bucket & a drop in the ocean

Fig. an insignificant contribution toward solving a large problem. •

Jane: We need to stop spending so much. Alan: OK. I'll buy a cheaper brand of toothpaste. Jane: But that's just a drop in the bucket.

•

Many companies donated food and medicine to help the survivors of the earthquake, but it was just a drop in the ocean of what was needed.