dribs and drabs
Definition: Small quantities. This phrase, dating from the early nineteenth century, consists of nouns that rarely appear elsewhere. Drib, originating in the early 1700s, probably alludes to “dribble” or “trickle”; drab has meant a petty sum of money since the early 1800s.
Similar Terms and Related Expressions
- Bits and pieces: Tiny fragments or segments, often used to describe a collection of unconnected objects.
- Odds and ends: Miscellaneous articles, particularly ones that are left over or considered unimportant.
- Little by little: An expression denoting incremental progress.
- Piece by piece: Refers to the process of assembling something slowly, one portion at a time.
- By inches: A term illustrating slow and gradual advancements.
- Penny by penny: Indicating a gradual accumulation of small amounts, primarily suggesting monetary savings.
Synonyms
- Smidgen
- Morsels
- Tidbits
- Minutiae
- Scraps
Antonyms
- Abundance
- Bulk
- Heap
- Mass
- Plentitude
Humor-Filled Quote
“In life, it’s often the dribs and drabs we remember most fondly, not the grand plans but the spontaneous moments—like that one time grandma tried to fax you a cookie recipe.”
Related Proverbs
- “Many drops make a pond.”
- “Little strokes fell great oaks.”
Suggested Literature and Media
Books:
- Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck - For those interested in small bits of vocabulary and expressions reflecting societal movements.
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom - Touches on the little moments and life lessons that collectively shape our lives.
Poetry:
- “The Little Things” by Julia Abigail Fletcher Carney
- “A Thing of Beauty” by John Keats, noting how small gestures manifest into grand sentiments.
Movies:
- Forrest Gump - Reflects on the impact of small moments collectively shaping a lifetime.
- Amélie - Focuses on how tiny acts of kindness can create monumental impacts.
Songs:
- “Little Things” by One Direction - Celebrates the beauty in the small details of life.
- “Inch by Inch” by Peter, Paul & Mary - A song highlighting gradual progress and small achievements.
Quizzes on “dribs and drabs”
### Which expression signifies small quantities?
- [x] Dribs and drabs
- [ ] Hordes and heaps
- [ ] Plates and platters
- [ ] Boats and battalions
> **Explanation:** "Dribs and drabs" refers to small quantities or pieces, whereas the other options indicate larger amounts.
### Which phrase means to collect little by little?
- [ ] Mountains and molehills
- [ ] Oceans and drops
- [x] Penny by penny
- [ ] Tons and pounds
> **Explanation:** "Penny by penny" accurately describes the process of gradual accumulation. "Mountains and molehills" suggests comparative significance, and "Oceans and drops" is not a recognized phrase.
### True or False: 'Odds and ends' signifies a large collection
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "Odds and ends" refers to miscellaneous small articles, often leftover or of little importance. Despite its name, it denotes less quantity, not more.
### Which of the following is NOT a synonym for 'dribs and drabs'?
- [ ] Scraps
- [ ] Smidgen
- [ ] Morsels
- [x] Abundance
> **Explanation:** "Abundance" refers to a large quantity and is contrary to the meaning of "dribs and drabs." The rest indicate small amounts.
Farewell Note: Remember, life is made up of dribs and drabs. Cherish the small joys and tiny mementos, as they collectively form the vast landscape of our memories.
– B.A. Witticisms, October 25, 2023
