small stuff

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. small cordage, as marlines, yarns, etc.

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small stuff British  

noun

1. nautical any light twine or yarn used aboard ship for serving lines, etc

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Etymology

Origin of small stuff

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

We want to chase “these big things,” as he described them, but sometimes it’s the small stuff we encounter along the way that counts the most.

From MarketWatch

They always say don’t sweat the small stuff, but I think it’s the small stuff that ultimately makes a difference here.

From Los Angeles Times

Storage was mixed: there was a large closet in the entryway for hanging clothes and storing our bags, but no drawers meant we had to shuffle around the small stuff to keep everything organized.

From Salon

"But most of all, to not sweat the small stuff. It's fixable."

From BBC

“Not sweating the small stuff. Understanding what’s most important. I have seen our players evolve in how they look at life and baseball.”

From Los Angeles Times