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

BobK

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: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 ;-)
 

Coolfootluke

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The thread title does not match the idiom. The expression is "a drop in the bucket".
 

shinewithlife

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I often see 'A drop in the ocean' more, too :D
 

GoesStation

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We say a drop in the bucket in American English.
 

jutfrank

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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.
 

GoesStation

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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.
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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