ENGLISH
REFERENCE

small potatoes

idiom
Meaning

One or more persons or things of relatively little consequence, importance, or value.


Origin

first recorded 19th c.

A specialization of a sense of potato meaning a thing of little value, and a comment on the low value of a small potato in particular, appearing in its modern form in North America in the mid-19th century (see 1855 quotation).

Examples
SIMPLE

Don't worry about the cost, it is just small potatoes.

CONTEXTUAL

Compared to the massive budget cuts we are facing, this small error is just small potatoes.

COMPLEX

While the local council debated the minor zoning changes, the residents felt these issues were small potatoes compared to the looming environmental crisis.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big fish in a small pond

    One who has achieved a high rank or is highly esteemed, but only in a small, relatively unimportant, or little known location or organization.

  2. 02

    couch potato

    A person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, often watching television, eating snacks or drinking alcohol.

  3. 03

    hot potato

    An unwanted problem that is awkward or delicate.

  4. 04

    in no small measure

    To a very great extent.

  5. 05

    in no small part

    Synonym of in no small measure.

  6. 06

    one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind

    (used imitatively) A cliché used to exaggerate an accomplishment or milestone.

  7. 07

    potato chaser

    An Asian person with a strong inclination and attraction toward white people.

  8. 08

    sing small

    To assume a humble tone.

Last updated April 17, 2026