reviewRevizechevron down
Množství /

Malé číslo nebo Částka

1 / 18
Ukončit
1-
a drop in the bucket
2-
bits and pieces
3-
in dribs and drabs
4-
goose egg
5-
fresh out of something
6-
to go easy on something
7-
jot and tittle
8-
to make a dent in something
9-
needle in a haystack
10-
odds and ends
11-
the smell of an oily rag
12-
thin on the ground
13-
to be down to somebody or something
14-
for (the) want of something
15-
to take a tumble
16-
hair's breadth
17-
(as) scarce as hens' teeth
18-
in small doses
a drop in the bucket
a drop in the bucket
fráze
uk flag
/ɐ dɹˈɑːp ɪnðə bˈʌkɪt/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

an amount that is very small in comparison to what is desired or needed to have a significant effect

example
Příklad
Click on words
The amount of money raised was a drop in the ocean compared to what we needed.
Your donation of $10 to the charity is appreciated, but it's just a drop in the bucket comThe repair costs for the old building are astronomical, and our budget allocation is a mere drop in the bucket.
What is the origin of the idiom "a drop in the bucket" and when to use it?

The idiom "a drop in the bucket" has its origins in biblical language and can be traced back to the King James Version of the Bible. It appears in the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 40, Verse 15, where it is used metaphorically to describe something insignificant in comparison to a larger quantity. This phrase is used to describe something that is very small or insignificant when compared to the larger context or quantity it is a part of.

bits and pieces
bits and pieces
fráze
uk flag
/bˈɪts ænd pˈiːsᵻz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

jobs or things that are different in type and small either in size, number, or significance

What is the origin of the idiom "bits and pieces" and when to use it?

The idiom "bits and pieces" is a common idiom that likely originated from the natural human tendency to use the words "bits" and "pieces" to describe small, fragmented, or scattered items or fragments. This expression is often used when discussing various components or fragments without specifying each individual one, conveying the idea of a mixture of small things.

in (dribs|drips) and drabs
in dribs and drabs
fráze
uk flag
/ɪn dɹˈɪbz ɔːɹ dɹˈɪps ænd dɹˈæbz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

used to describe something happening or being available in very small amounts

What is the origin of the idiom "dribs and drabs" and when to use it?

The idiom "dribs and drabs" has been in use in English since at least the 16th century. Both "drib" and "drab" originally referred to small, often irregular amounts. This phrase is used to describe small, scattered, or intermittent amounts of something, often implying that these amounts are inadequate or insufficient.It is typically used when discussing the sporadic or fragmented nature of events, information, or resources.

goose egg
goose egg
Podstatné jméno
uk flag
/ɡˈuːs ˈɛɡ/
(brankové nula)

(brankové nula)

nula

Humorous
Idiom
Informal

a score that is equivalent to zero in a match or game

What is the origin of the idiom "goose egg" and when to use it?

The idiom "goose egg" as a slang term for zero or a score of zero in a sporting context, particularly in baseball, is believed to have originated in the 1860s in the United States. The round shape of a goose egg resembles the number zero, which led to its use in this context. This phrase is used informally to refer to the number zero, especially in the context of sports scores or tallies. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate a complete lack or absence of something.

Gramatické Informace:

Složené Podstatné Jméno
fresh out of {sth}
fresh out of something
fráze
uk flag
/fɹˈɛʃ ˌaʊɾəv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

having finished one's supply of something very recently

What is the origin of the idiom "fresh out of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "fresh out of something" originated from the idea of a supply or stock of something being recently depleted or exhausted. The word "fresh" in this context implies that the depletion is recent or immediate, indicating that the item is no longer available. This idiomatic expression is used to describe a situation where there is a complete lack or depletion of a specific item or resource. It emphasizes that the item has just been used or consumed and is no longer available.

to [go] easy (on|with) {sth}
to go easy on something
fráze
uk flag
/ɡˌoʊ ˈiːzi ˈɑːn wɪð/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to be careful to consume or use something in moderation

What is the origin of the idiom "go easy on something" and when to use it?

The idiom "go easy on something" likely originated from the concept of moderating or tempering one's behavior or consumption of something. The use of "easy" in this context implies taking a gentle or moderate approach when dealing with a particular thing, often to avoid excessive use or harsh treatment. This expression is used to suggest that a person should use, consume, or treat a particular thing in moderation or with care. It is often used when advising someone to be cautious, restrained, or gentle in their approach to a specific substance, activity, or situation.

jot (and|or) tittle
jot and tittle
fráze
uk flag
/dʒˈɑːt ænd ɔːɹ tˈɪɾəl/
N/A

N/A

Formal
Idiom

the small or insignificant details of something

What is the origin of the idiom "jot and tittle" and when to use it?

The idiom "jot and tittle" originates from the Bible, specifically from the New Testament in the Gospel of Matthew 5:18 (King James Version): "For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." In this context, "jot" refers to the smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet (the letter yod), and "tittle" refers to a tiny stroke or mark used in the writing of certain letters. This phrase is used to emphasize extreme precision or attention to the smallest details, often in the context of rules, laws, or instructions. It signifies that every tiny element or nuance is being carefully considered or followed.

to [make|put] a dent in {sth}
to make a dent in something
fráze
uk flag
/mˌeɪk pˌʊt ɐ dˈɛnt ɪn ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to lessen the amount of a thing, particularly tasks or money

What is the origin of the idiom "make a dent in something" and when to use it?

The idiom "make a dent in something" likely originated from the visual and physical impact of creating a dent or depression in a surface. It signifies the act of causing a noticeable change or damage to something, even if it is just a small or initial effect. This phrase is used to describe the action of significantly impacting or affecting a particular thing, typically in a way that produces visible or measurable results. It emphasizes that progress or change has been achieved, even if it may be limited.

needle in a haystack
needle in a haystack
fráze
uk flag
/nˈiːdəl ɪn ɐ hˈeɪstæk/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a person or thing that is really challenging or almost impossible to find

What is the origin of the idiom "needle in a haystack" and when to use it?

The idiom "needle in a haystack" dates back to the 16th century and has been used in English literature since then. Its origin is quite literal, referring to the extreme difficulty of finding a tiny object (a needle) within a vast pile of straw or hay. This expression is often used to describe an exceedingly challenging or nearly impossible task of finding or locating something due to its extreme rarity, obscurity, or hidden nature.

odds and ends
odds and ends
fráze
uk flag
/ˈɑːdz ænd ˈɛndz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

various small things that have no importance or value

What is the origin of the idiom "odds and ends" and when to use it?

The idiom "odds and ends" has been in use since at least the 17th century and likely originates from the idea of miscellaneous or leftover items being a collection of various "odds" (unmatched or irregular items) and "ends" (small fragments or remnants). This phrase is used to refer to a collection of small, miscellaneous, or unrelated items or things. It is used to imply that these items are not part of a larger, organized whole and may be of varied importance or value.

the smell of an oily rag
the smell of an oily rag
fráze
uk flag
/ðə smˈɛl əvən ˈɔɪli ɹˈæɡ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

the smallest amount of something, particularly fuel or money, that is necessary for surviving or functioning

What is the origin of the idiom "the smell of an oily rag" and when to use it?

The idiom "the smell of an oily rag" is an idiomatic expression primarily used in Australian and New Zealand English. It originated from the idea that something or someone is running on a minimal or nearly empty level of resources. This expression is now used to describe a situation where resources, especially financial ones, are extremely limited, and people are making do with the bare essentials. It conveys the idea of managing with minimal resources and being resourceful in challenging circumstances.

thin on the ground
thin on the ground
fráze
uk flag
/θˈɪn ɑːnðə ɡɹˈaʊnd/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

existing or available in very little quantities

thick on the ground
What is the origin of the idiom "thin on the ground" and when to use it?

The idiom "thin on the ground" likely has its origins in hunting or military contexts. It refers to a situation where something is scarce or not readily available, much like when game or soldiers are scarce or thinly distributed across a terrain. The phrase has been used for centuries to describe scarcity or rarity. This expression is used to indicate that something is scarce, limited, or not abundant. It emphasizes the idea that there is not much of it available.

to [be] down to {sb/sth}
to be down to somebody or something
fráze
uk flag
/biː dˌaʊn tʊ ˌɛsbˈiː/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

to have a limited amount or number of something left

What is the origin of the idiom "be down to somebody or something" and when to use it?

The idiom "be down to somebody or something" is derived from the idea of reducing or depleting a resource or supply to the point where it is almost exhausted. The use of "down to" suggests that you have reached a minimal or critical level. It is used to describe a situation where the quantity or availability of something has been reduced to a limited or critical level, often implying that further reduction may lead to a shortage or depletion.

for (the|) want of {sth}
for (the) want of something
fráze
uk flag
/fɔːɹ ðə wˈɑːnt ʌv ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

due to the absence or lack of a specific thing

What is the origin of the idiom "for want of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "for want of something" has its origins in the English language, and it has been used in literature and storytelling for centuries. It is often found in moral tales and fables. The phrase is used to describe a chain of events or consequences that result from the absence or lack of a specific thing or action. It emphasizes that a series of negative outcomes occurred because something necessary was missing.

to [take] a tumble
to take a tumble
fráze
uk flag
/tˈeɪk ɐ tˈʌmbəl/
N/A

N/A

Collocation

to experience a sudden setback, failure, or decline

hair's breadth
hair's breadth
fráze
uk flag
/hˈɛɹz bɹˈɛdθ/
N/A

N/A

Idiom
Informal

a distance or amount that is very small or inconsiderable

What is the origin of the idiom "hair's breadth" and when to use it?

The idiom "hair's breadth" originates from the idea of using the width of a single strand of hair as an extremely narrow and precise unit of measurement. It has been in use for centuries to describe a very small or minimal distance, gap, or difference. This expression is used to describe an extremely narrow or minimal measurement, gap, or difference. It emphasizes the idea that something is very close or nearly identical, with only a tiny margin of difference.

(as|) scarce as hens' teeth
(as) scarce as hens' teeth
fráze
uk flag
/æz skˈɛɹs æz hˈɛnz tˈiːθ/
N/A

N/A

Humorous
Idiom
Informal

not easy to find or restricted in quantity

What is the origin of the idiom "scarce as hens' teeth" and when to use it?

The phrase "scarce as hens' teeth" is a colorful idiom that originates from the fact that hens, like most birds, do not have teeth. The absence of teeth in hens makes the comparison to something "scarce as hens' teeth" a vivid way of expressing extreme rarity or scarcity. This expression is used to emphasize the extreme rarity or scarcity of something. It conveys the idea that the item or condition being described is exceptionally hard to find or very uncommon.

in small doses
in small doses
fráze
uk flag
/ɪn smˈɔːl dˈoʊsᵻz/
N/A

N/A

Idiom

in limited or small quantities, typically referring to something that should be experienced or consumed in moderation

What is the origin of the idiom "in small doses" and when to use it?

The idiom "in small doses" originated from the concept of moderation or limited exposure to something. The phrase is commonly used when discussing activities, substances, or behaviors that may be enjoyable or beneficial in moderation but could be harmful or unpleasant if indulged in excessively.

Gratulujeme! !

Naučili jste se 18 slov ze Small Number or Amount. Pro zlepšení učení a opakování slovní zásoby začněte cvičit!

review-disable

Revize

flashcard-disable

Kartičky

quiz-disable

Kvíz

practice