this is peanuts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is peanuts" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is insignificant or trivial, often in comparison to something larger or more important. Example: "The budget for this project is only $500; that's just peanuts compared to the millions we usually spend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But they think this is peanuts.

The Economist

This is peanuts in a $51 billion annual budget.

The New York Times

But this is peanuts compared with the cost of fighting a parliamentary election.

The Guardian

Apparently, all this is peanuts compared to what goes on in other parts of the county.

The New York Times

While this is peanuts for some supermassive science, technology or industry conferences, it is huge for HSTM.

The Guardian

The new version, scripted by Brian Helgeland, has an identical plot, but now the sum demanded is $10m and it transpires that this is peanuts and the heist's mastermind has much bigger money in mind and knows all about stock markets.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This was peanuts, comparatively speaking.

BBC

Compared to what I could have made as a screenwriter, this was peanuts, and I told Dan as much.

Huffington Post

To Soros, whom Forbes reckons is worth about £12.6 billion, this stake is peanuts.

Independent

Of course, this acquisition is peanuts compared to AT&T's pending $39 billion purchase of T-Mobile.

TechCrunch

But this too is peanuts given that the industry needs 5 million additional sales to come out of the doldrums.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is peanuts" to downplay the significance of an amount or effort, especially when comparing it to something much larger or more substantial. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts where a touch of understatement is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "this is peanuts" in formal or highly sensitive situations where minimizing something could be perceived as disrespectful or dismissive. Choose a more neutral expression like "this is a small amount" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is peanuts" functions as an idiomatic expression used to minimize the significance or value of something. It conveys that something is trivial or inconsequential, similar to how Ludwig AI describes it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "this is peanuts" is a common idiom used to convey that something is insignificant or of little value. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Business, and even Science, where its usage remains relatively informal. While the idiom isn't usually used in formal settings, the related alternatives such as "this is trivial" and "this is insignificant" can be used. Remember to use the phrase carefully, as minimizing something excessively can sometimes be perceived negatively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is insignificant

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more literal term for lack of importance.

this is trivial

Emphasizes the lack of seriousness or importance.

this is small change

Highlights the minimal value, often in a financial context.

this is nothing

Simplifies the expression to indicate a lack of significance.

this is a drop in the bucket

Uses a metaphor to illustrate the smallness of something compared to a larger whole.

this is chickenfeed

Another idiomatic alternative, suggesting a very small amount of money or resources.

this is a mere pittance

Highlights the inadequacy of a sum or amount.

this is a trifle

Indicates something of very little consequence.

this is not a big deal

Downplays the importance or seriousness of something.

this is hardly anything

Emphasizes the minimal quantity or value.

FAQs

What does the idiom "this is peanuts" mean?

The idiom "this is peanuts" means that something is a very small or insignificant amount, especially when compared to something else. It implies that the item in question is of little consequence or value.

How can I use "this is peanuts" in a sentence?

You can use "this is peanuts" to minimize the importance of something, such as in the sentence, "The cost of the repair "this is peanuts" compared to the overall value of the car."

What can I say instead of "this is peanuts"?

You can use alternatives like "this is insignificant", "this is trivial", or "this is small change" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "this is peanuts" in a formal setting?

No, it's generally not appropriate to use "this is peanuts" in formal settings. A more suitable phrase would be "this is a minor issue" or "the amount is negligible".