An extremely small or insignificant part of something vast; a drop in the ocean; a tiny speck in a huge expanse.
与浩瀚的宇宙相比，我们每个人都不过是沧海一粟。
Compared to the vast universe, each of us is merely a drop in the ocean.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
The Northern Song Dynasty scholar Su Dongpo was demoted to Huangzhou for opposing Wang Anshi's reforms. While in Huangzhou, he wrote two 'Odes to the Red Cliff,' reflecting on the impermanence of worldly affairs.
He observed that the mighty Cao Cao, who suffered a significant defeat at Red Cliff, was but a grain of millet in the immense sea of history—insignificant.
Su Dongpo believed that despite our smallness, everyone should strive to make vigorous efforts during their lifetime, so as not to live in vain.
Next Idiom