A drop in a bucket

[Tdol]

You can get the definition of this idiom here.

 

[aliaa]

I think that the choices no. 2 & 3 are similar in meaning

 

[blueabell2go]

In the UK we often say "a drop in the ocean" for the same thing.

 

[BobK]

In the UK we often say "a drop in the ocean" for the same thing.

Hmm. I feel that meaning's more along the lines of the second option, which is is why I voted for the first.

b

 

[BobK]

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]

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

 

[JarekSteliga]

In the UK we often say "a drop in the ocean" for the same thing.

And we in Poland say "a drop in the sea"

 

[shinewithlife]

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

 

[GoesStation]

We say a drop in the bucket in American English.

 

[jutfrank]

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]

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 !