next to nothing
Next to nothing - A very small amount, barely more than nothing at all. This expression uses next to in the sense of “almost,” a usage dating back to the seventeenth century, as in “She ate next to nothing,” or “I earned next to nothing last year.”
Synonyms
- Minimal
- Hardly anything
- Remnant
- Diddly-squat
Antonyms
- Abundance
- Plethora
- A wealth (of)
- Earth’s worth
Humor-Filled Quotes
🤏 “My bank account is currently in the technicolor dream-coat phase: filled with next to nothing but lots of fabulous dreams.” — Penny Littlemore’s Diary
Proverbs and Sayings
👉 “Little drops of water make the mighty ocean.” — Translation: Even the smallest efforts or contributions matter in the grand scheme of things.
References in Literature
📚 David Copperfield by Charles Dickens: David experiences want and deprivation early in life, symbolizing having virtually ’next to nothing'.
Related Expressions
- “Scraping the bottom of the barrel” — almost running out or having very little left.
- “Holding on by a thread” — barely sustaining anything.
- “Thin air” — close to non-existent.
Suggest Readings
📖 Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens - It isn’t about a luxurious lifestyle… 📖 The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck - Starvation and deprivation galore.
Entertainment
🎬 Pursuit of Happyness - A movie about having next to nothing and a next-to-impossible dream. 🎵 “Living on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi - An anthem for those living on hopes and dreams… and, well, next to nothing.
Stay inspired, keep learning, and remember: even when you feel you’re down to next to nothing, you’ve got next to everything you need to rise back up! 💪✨
Until next time, Penny Littlemore
