# drop in the bucket

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/drop-in-the-bucket
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something of little importance, especially an inconsequential effort or action as compared to a huge problem.

## Examples

- My small donation is just a drop in the bucket.
- 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.

## Origin

First used in Wycliffe's Bible, from Isaiah 40:15.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.