B2idiomnatureIELTS-friendly
a drop in the ocean
USUK
a very small amount compared with what is needed
American English says 'a drop in the bucket'. Useful in IELTS for money, pollution and big social problems.
In context
Our small donation is a drop in the ocean, but every bit helps the flood victims.
Planting a hundred trees is a drop in the ocean compared with the forest we lose every year.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a fly in the ointmentone small problem that spoils something that is otherwise good