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

The Welsh government, which previously announced plans for "small changes" to the rules, said it recognised the "strength of feeling" but added 60% of self-catering businesses had met the target.

From BBC

Minor imperfections in a material do not erase them, just as small changes in shape cannot transform a donut into an apple.

From Science Daily

Having large fixed costs makes a business “extremely sensitive to small changes in traffic or frequency,” while online or e-commerce models can be more flexible.

From Los Angeles Times

The researchers synthesized 17 carefully designed ruthenium complexes and studied how small changes in molecular shape and the surrounding ionic environment influence electron behavior.

From Science Daily

Even if you can only afford to put a small amount toward your savings every month, “the power of small changes is incredible over time,” Playford said.

From MarketWatch