small potatoes

American  

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. a person or thing of little significance, importance, or value.

   His salary was small potatoes for an executive of his ability.

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small potatoes British  

noun

1. informal someone or something of little significance or value, esp a small amount of money

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Etymology

Origin of small potatoes

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

small potatoes

The government’s stakes in other companies are relatively small potatoes and overwhelmingly concentrated in critical minerals companies.

From Barron's ● May 8, 2026

At the end of the day, some might see all these matters I’ve raised as small potatoes.

From Slate ● May 22, 2025

In some ways, it’s small potatoes compared to what’s happening now.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2025

Too many small potatoes were swept up in the indictment.

From Salon ● May 15, 2024

I go straight to the market after the factory and buy what’s left, which is a ten-pound sack of small potatoes, some carrots, and four onions.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron