Select the most appropriate meaning of the given phrase. A drop in the bucket

Correct option is B

The most appropriate meaning of the given phrase “A drop in the bucket” is (b) Very small and insignificant proportion of the whole.

(b) Very small and insignificant proportion of the whole

Meaning of the phrase – A drop in the bucket:

• It means a very small amount that makes almost no difference compared to what is needed or expected.
• (Hindi meaning: ऊँट के मुँह में जीरा / बहुत ही छोटा हिस्सा)
• Example: The money they raised is just a drop in the bucket compared to the total cost of the project.

Why option (b) is correct:

• It matches the idiom’s idea: a tiny amount compared to the whole/need, so it feels insignificant.

Meanings of all the other given options (and why they are incorrect):

• (a) A ray of hope in bad times – This meaning matches phrases like “a silver lining”, not this idiom. (गलत अर्थ)
• (c) It is a metaphor for places with water shortage – Not the idiomatic meaning. (गलत अर्थ)
• (d) Being worthless is like being a drop in the bucket – The idiom is about smallness/insignificance in quantity, not a person being worthless. (गलत अर्थ)

Thus, the correct answer is (b).