small change

noun

1. coins of small denomination.
2. someone or something insignificant or trifling:

   Those people are small change.

small change

noun

1. coins, esp those of low value
2. a person or thing that is not outstanding or important

Word History and Origins

Origin of small change¹

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

“If every owner steps up and makes small changes, we can make a difference.”

From BBC

I've clung to the promise of democracy in the hope that small changes could nudge us there.

From Salon

Still, in tight campaigns, small changes can make a big difference.

From BBC

“I suspect that in eukaryotes, it won’t be just point mutations, either,” McInerney said, referring to small changes in a genome.

From Salon

In 2023, a group of Tennessee Republicans was unable to push through a small change to the state’s abortion ban, intended to give doctors greater leeway when intervening for patients facing health complications.

From Salon