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

That’s small potatoes compared with founder Elon Musk’s stake.

From Barron's ● Jun. 15, 2026

Too many small potatoes were swept up in the indictment.

From Salon ● May 15, 2024

“It is not small potatoes, it is not this small, incremental change in the way that the world works,” he said, stabbing the tip of his pencil into his notebook.

From Science Magazine ● Sep. 25, 2023

I think they thought they were making a point that the investigation is just small potatoes and it’s not going to go anywhere.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 26, 2023

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