small change

American  

noun

1. coins of small denomination.

2. someone or something insignificant or trifling.

   Those people are small change.

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small change British  

noun

1. coins, esp those of low value

2. a person or thing that is not outstanding or important

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Etymology

Origin of small change

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

"Just as small shifts in the jet stream can change the weather, small changes in these cellular winds could change how diseases begin or progress," Cathy said.

From Science Daily

It’s a small change for now, but one that could one day upend traditional stock trading.

From Barron's

George Russell - 7 - Quick, as you'd expect, but ever since that small change to suspension in qualifying, Russell struggled for pace.

From BBC

She is part of the Recondition codesign group, who make small changes to make fashion feel good again.

From BBC

This creates a small change in capacitance, just enough for the device to detect a touch.

From Science Daily