few and far between

Idioms  

1. At wide intervals, scarce, as in Supporters of the amendment are few and far between. This expression originally was used very literally for physical objects such as houses appearing at widely separated intervals. Today it is also used more loosely. [Mid-1600s]

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Example Sentences

“The reality, however, is that altruistic idealists are few and far between in this world.”

From Slate

But they say that once they've paid the bills, there isn't much left over, so family days out are becoming few and far between.

From BBC

It has long been handicapped by a rule requiring full consensus among members, meaning decisions are few and far between.

From Barron's

No small achievement: You have built up $965,000, including your inheritance, and your surplus every month is $6,000 before you spend money on leisure activities, which appear to be few and far between.

From MarketWatch

As the week wears on, daytime temperatures will drop and by Friday may struggle to reach double figures - reminding us that winter is still only winding down and the mild, sunny, spring-like days are still few and far between.

From BBC

Related Words

• extraordinary
• limited
• occasional
• scarce
• singular
• strange
• subtle
• uncommon
• unique
• unlikely
• unthinkable
• unusual