The phrase "tiny ripples" refers to small, gentle waves or movements. It is often used metaphorically to describe a small but noticeable impact or consequence. Full definition
The unavoidable amplitude fluctuations then give random impulses or «kicks» to the mirrors, and the mirrors» motion generates tiny ripples in spacetime, Pang says. (sciencemag.org)
As the two neutron stars spiraled together 130 million light years away, they generated tiny ripples in the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves, sensed by enormous gravitational wave detectors on Earth. (aaas.org)
By the time the waves from the black - hole merger arrived, they had become tiny ripples, changing the length of the pipes by just 1 part in 1 billion trillion. (faith.org.uk)