# spit in the ocean

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spit-in-the-ocean
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A very small or insignificant amount; something of little importance.

## Examples

- My small donation is just a spit in the ocean.
- The company needs millions to survive, so his tiny contribution is just a spit in the ocean.
- While the new policy aims to reduce waste, critics argue that these minor changes are merely a spit in the ocean compared to the scale of the crisis.

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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.