A hill of beans

usgb
noun

Something of little or no value or importance.

In the grand scheme of things, our daily troubles don't amount to a hill of beans.
Visual representation of "a hill of beans" - Something of little or no value or importance.

Often appears as...

  • amount to a hill of beans
  • doesn't worth a hill of beans

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a hill of beans"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cultural Nuance

Understand this phrase is primarily American English and may not be recognized internationally.

Illustration for Cultural Nuance
To someone unfamiliar with American idioms, 'a hill of beans' might be confusing.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Idiomatic Metaphor

Realize it is a metaphor for insignificance, as beans were seen as a humble, common food.

Illustration for Idiomatic Metaphor
All his efforts seemed like a hill of beans after the project was cancelled.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Context

Used to express a dismissive attitude towards something considered trivial.

Illustration for Emotional Context
She didn't give a hill of beans for the critics' negative comments.
Visual representation of the word "A hill of beans"

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