My small donation is just a drop in the bucket.
drop in the bucket
idiomSomething of little importance, especially an inconsequential effort or action as compared to a huge problem.
Origin
disputed originFirst used in Wycliffe's Bible, from Isaiah 40:15.
The new law helps some people, but it is just a drop in the bucket compared to the national debt.
While the local charity provided essential aid to the displaced families, their efforts remained a mere drop in the bucket against the overwhelming scale of the humanitarian crisis.
- 01
a short drop and a sudden stop
A fall to one's death by hanging.
- 02
bolt bucket
A machine, especially an automobile. Implies that the machine is clunky or unreliable.
- 03
brain bucket
A protective helmet, as worn, for example, by a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or soldier in combat.
- 04
bucket down
To rain heavily.
- 05
bucket list
A list of tasks arising during a meeting that are put aside to be dealt with later.
- 06
bucket of bolts
A piece of machinery that is not worth more than its scrap value, often an old car.
- 07
bucket of rust
Synonym of rustbucket.
- 08
bucket of syrup
A sticky, difficult situation.
Last updated April 17, 2026