The idiom "small beer" means something that is unimportant or insignificant. It is often used to describe something that is not worth much attention or consideration.
The term "small beer" originally referred to a weak beer that was brewed with the leftover grains from the brewing process. This beer was considered inferior to other types of beer and was often served to children or used as a substitute for water.
Over time, the term "small beer" came to be used metaphorically to describe something that is of little value or importance. For example, you might say that a minor problem at work is "small beer" compared to the bigger issues facing the company.
In everyday conversation, you might use the idiom "small beer" to downplay the significance of something or to suggest that it is not worth worrying about. For instance, if someone is complaining about a minor inconvenience, you might say "oh, that's small beer - don't worry about it."
Overall, the idiom "small beer" is a useful way to describe something that is not very important or significant.
• I don't mind drinking small beer when I'm out with friends, as long as I'm having a good time.
• The CEO dismissed the concerns of the employees, claiming their complaints were small beer and not worth addressing.
• Small beer is not a priority for me right now as I have bigger things to worry about.
• Although the project is important, the details they're asking for are small beer and won't make a significant difference in the end result.
• The issue of climate change cannot be considered small beer and requires urgent attention from world leaders.
• In the grand scheme of things, the disagreement between the two countries over a small piece of land is small beer compared to the larger geopolitical issues at play.