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

But with the oil crisis showing no quick end in sight, even small changes are welcome relief.

From Barron's

"Even small changes in their environment can make them suspicious," said Loretto, who is at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, and began the research at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior.

From Barron's

"Over time, such a small change in an asteroid's motion can make the difference between a hazardous object hitting or missing our planet."

From Science Daily

But small changes in production have a big impact.

From Barron's

Instead, it reminds us that small changes in mood can have big impacts on our portfolios.

From MarketWatch