A drop in a bucket

A drop in the bucket...

  • is a small problem that will probably get larger.

    Votes: 20 16.5%

  • a contribution too small to make much or any difference.

    Votes: 76 62.8%

  • means that every small contribution helps.

    Votes: 25 20.7%
  • Total voters
    121
:oops: As I never use the 'bucket' variant, I assumed it must have a different meaning from the 'ocean' one. Just as well I never use it ;-)
 
The thread title does not match the idiom. The expression is "a drop in the bucket".
 
I often see 'A drop in the ocean' more, too :D
 
We say a drop in the bucket in American English.
 
Contrary to the thread title, it seems the idiom must use the definite, not indefinite article, whether ocean or bucket is used.

I don't think I've ever heard the American 'bucket' version.
 
jutfrank said:
Contrary to the thread title, it seems the idiom must use the definite, not indefinite article, whether ocean or bucket is used.

I don't think I've ever heard the American 'bucket' version.
Click to expand...
The American version does require the definite article. We always use it in preference to the British one. Vive la différence !
 
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