Importance & Unimportance

a situation that is not to be ignored or understimated

The doctor stressed that taking the prescribed medication was a matter of life and death for the patient.

used to sarcastically or dismissively comment on something perceived as unremarkable or inconsequential

So you finished your homework early, big deal.

an urgent need or desire that one feels for something

In the aftermath of the natural disaster, there was a crying need for emergency medical supplies.

to be of significant influence or importance and often a cause of worry

Rising tuition costs loom large in the minds of many parents.

to play a crucial role in causing other things in life to work the way they are supposed to

In the business world, reliable employees who work diligently are the ones who make the world go around.

extra details that are added to a plan, idea, etc. that make it more complete or much better

The initial draft of the project proposal is promising, but there's still some meat on the bone that we can flesh out.

(of a person) behaving in a manner that is very exciting and attracts others' attention

Most characters in his movies are somewhat larger than life.

something that is very common and therefore, not very high on price and value

In the digital age, information is a dime a dozen, making it essential to filter through to find reliable sources.

used to refer to something that does not deserve one's attention due to not being important or interesting enough

I can't stand this pointless paperwork; it's all for the birds.

something that is completely worthless in terms of importance, value, or use

In the grand scheme of things, his complaints about the weather are just a hill of beans.

a person who is less qualified or important when compared to others in a company or organization

Starting a new job in the city made me feel like a little frog in a big pond.

various small things that have no importance or value

We packed just about everything, but probably left some odds and ends behind.

someone who is considered as an extra or unwanted person in a situation, especially in presence of a couple

When I went out with my best friend and her new boyfriend, I felt like a third wheel all evening.

something very important and serious that cannot be joked about or underestimated

The budget cuts are no laughing matter; they will lead to layoffs and reduced services.

anything that is intended to take people's focus away from what is important

The suspect's alibi seemed like a red herring, as it couldn't be corroborated by any evidence.

a person or thing of small importance

Compared to the major problems we face, that issue is just small potatoes.

a very insignificant individual or thing

I've been working hard on this project, and now they're all praising Sarah.What am I, chopped liver?