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I'm looking for a word or idiom that describes something that is small but powerful. For example, a tiny computer that is capable of doing the same work as a larger computer.

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  • "Pint-sized powerhouse"? (warning: TVTropes) – Kreiri Sep 21 '14 at 19:56
  • In some contexts "pocket rocket" – Martin Smith Sep 21 '14 at 20:07
  • Extremely condensed. – skullpatrol Sep 21 '14 at 21:57
  • small but mighty – Freddy Sep 22 '14 at 5:09
  • When it's about people you can use "pocket rocket". – tymtam Oct 4 '18 at 0:31
4

Might I suggest potent as one of your answers to consider?

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  • Potent gets close. However, big things can be potent, too. An ant is small but potent. An elephant is big and potent. I'm looking for a word or idea that gets closer to the idea of, say, atomic energy. Atomic energy is, what, as powerful as the sun yet comes from something that's invisible to the naked eye. – Nuyoregonian Sep 21 '14 at 19:27
  • Welcome to EL&U. This, like all StackExchange sites, puts a premium on the quality and thoroughness of answers, which should provide a detailed explanation including appropriate examples and references. The help center will offer further guidance. – choster Sep 21 '14 at 20:22
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Concentrated and its synonyms.

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0

best things come in small packages, good things come in small packages

From TFD:

best things come in small packages, good things come in small packages

Prov. Small packages often contain valuable things. (Sometimes said of petite or short people.)

Jill: I'm upset at George. He only gave me this tiny box for my birthday. Jane: Don't get upset till you know what's in it. Good things do come in small packages.

Child: I hate being so short. Grandmother: You shouldn't. The best things come in small packages.

From dictionary.cambridge.org:

good things come in small packages

saying ​

said to emphasize that something does not need to be big in order to be good

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0

I might suggest:

atomic

defined as meaning

related to atoms

which as we all know are very small but immensely powerful.

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-3

One option might be scaled down

reduce proportionally; "The model is scaled down" The Free Dictionary

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  • Jim, the issue with this I would say, is it doesn't include the concept of power or energy, merely the diminutive size. – Gary Jul 31 '16 at 18:42

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