A Drop In The Bucket

Pronunciation: /ə drɒp ɪn ðə ˈbʌkɪt/

Definitions of a drop in the bucket

noun A drop in the bucket - an idiom meaning a very small or insignificant amount compared to what is needed or expected

Example Sentences

A1 Finding a penny on the ground is like a drop in the bucket compared to winning the lottery.

A2 For a billionaire, donating a million dollars to charity is just a drop in the bucket.

B1 The government's efforts to reduce pollution are just a drop in the bucket compared to the overall problem.

B2 Increasing funding for education is necessary, but it will only be a drop in the bucket without systemic changes.

C1 The company's donation to the local food bank is appreciated, but it is just a drop in the bucket compared to their profits.

C2 Implementing new policies to address climate change is essential, but it will only be a drop in the bucket without global cooperation.

Examples of a drop in the bucket in a Sentence

formal The donation we received was just a drop in the bucket compared to what we need for the project.

informal Your contribution is appreciated, but it's only a drop in the bucket for our fundraising goal.

slang Throwing a few bucks in the collection jar is just a drop in the bucket for the charity.

figurative In the grand scheme of things, his efforts to help were just a drop in the bucket.

Grammatical Forms of a drop in the bucket

• past tense: was a drop in the bucket
• plural: drops in the bucket
• comparative: more of a drop in the bucket
• superlative: the biggest drop in the bucket
• present tense: is a drop in the bucket
• future tense: will be a drop in the bucket
• perfect tense: has been a drop in the bucket
• continuous tense: is being a drop in the bucket
• singular: a drop in the bucket
• positive degree: a significant drop in the bucket
• infinitive: to be a drop in the bucket
• gerund: being a drop in the bucket
• participle: a dropped-in-the-bucket

Origin and Evolution of a drop in the bucket

First Known Use: 1382 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'a drop in the bucket' originated from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Isaiah in the Old Testament.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to convey the idea of a small or insignificant amount compared to a larger whole, the phrase has evolved to symbolize a minuscule contribution or impact in a larger context.