你的理解不错。例如：

The strength of an individual， as compared with that of the masses， is but a drop in the ocean. 一个人的力量和群众的力量相比，不过是沧海一粟。

《新英汉大辞典》

We owe a debt of gratitude to many individuals who dedicated their lives to making the world a better place.  我们应该感谢为把世界变得更美好而奉献一生的许多人们。