英语习语a drop in the ocean是什么意思?
的有关信息介绍如下:a drop in the ocean的意思是“a very small amount compared to the amount needed”,即“九牛一毛,沧海一粟”。
这句习语源于1802年7月《爱丁堡周刊》的一篇文章:
The votes for the appointment of Bonaparte to be Chief Consul for life are like a drop in the ocean compared with the aggregate of the population of France.
这句习语想表达的意思就是指某件事微不足道,是很大数量中的极少数。和这句习语类似的习语有a drop in the bucket。a drop in the bucket是 a drop in the ocean 的前身。这两个习语的含义都有“九牛一毛,沧海一粟”。
例句:
Mike's fee is a drop in the ocean compared with the real cost of broadcasting.
同播出的实际开支相比较,迈克那点酬金不过是九牛一毛。
The strength of an individual, as compared with that of the masses, is but a drop in the ocean.
个人的力量和群众的力量相比,不过是沧海一粟。
My knowledge in the field is but a drop in the bucket.
我那点知识不过是本学科的沧海一粟。