IdiomFood & DrinkEnglish

small potatoes

Meaning: Something unimportant or trivial.

Example: “A parking fine is small potatoes compared with the repair bill.”

Origin: Small potatoes are the ones left after the good ones are picked. The phrase is American English from the early 19th century.

Equivalents in other languages

  • Spanish: de pitiminí Literally: Of pitiminí (a tiny-flowered rose)

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