Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
drop-the-bucket-on
idiom
‘drɒp ðə ‘bʌkɪt ɒn
Definition
To make a small contribution to a large problem, often implying that the contribution is negligible in comparison to the overall issue.
Examples
- If we each only donate a small amount, it’s just a drop-in-the-bucket-on compared to the wealth needed to solve poverty.
- Her efforts to improve the school’s resources were appreciated, but they felt like a drop-the-bucket-on given the extensive needs of the district.
Meaning
The phrase suggests that one’s efforts or resources are minimal when faced with a much larger challenge, similar to dropping a single bucket of water into a vast ocean.
Synonyms
- insignificant contribution
- minimal effect
- small effort
