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

See Examples For:

small stuff

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 ● Dec. 31, 2025

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 ● Dec. 24, 2025

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 ● Jul. 20, 2025

"You're also able to ask things of each other, some of that's the big stuff but some of the really small stuff which is like how do I fill in this admin form," Sandher said.

From BBC ● Dec. 6, 2024

First thing I did was remove the small stuff.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir