Definition

Noun: - A very small quantity of liquid, specifically as much as a thimble can hold: This word refers to a minuscule amount, typically of a beverage like alcohol, used to emphasize its small volume.

Usage

The word "thimbleful" is used to describe a tiny, often insufficient, amount of a liquid. It is frequently employed in a figurative or humorous way to comment on the small size of a serving, especially of a strong drink. - Literal Use: Referring to the actual capacity of a sewing thimble. - Figurative Use: Emphasizing a very small quantity of anything, often with a tone of complaint or jest.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "not a thimbleful of...": used to emphasize a complete lack of something, such as sense, evidence, or compassion.
  • The proposal didn't contain a thimbleful of common sense.
  • He showed not a thimbleful of remorse for his actions.

Variants and Related Words

• Thimble (n): A small metal or plastic cap worn on the finger to push the needle in sewing. This is the object from which "thimbleful" derives its measurement.
• Thimble-sized (adj): Of a size comparable to a thimble.
  • She served the dessert in thimble-sized cups.

Synonyms

• Sip: A small mouthful of drink.
• Drop: A very small amount of liquid.
• Driblet: A tiny falling drop or a very small quantity.
• Smidgen (or smidgin): A very small amount (can be used for solids or liquids).

Antonyms

• Gallon
• Flood
• Abundance
• Torrent

Idioms and Phrases

• "A thimbleful of sense/brains": A humorous or critical way to say someone has very little intelligence or common sense.
  • You'd need more than a thimbleful of sense to understand that complicated manual.

Noun

1. as much as a thimble will hold