THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Few and far between
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Rare or not available very often.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Affordable flats near the station are few and far between.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Affordable flats near the station are ________.
Show the answer
Few and far between — Rare or not available very often.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Few and far between” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Rare or not available very often.
Compare: Affordable flats near the station are few and far between.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when there are not many examples or opportunities, or when they occur infrequently. It suits everyday and professional discussion.
More examples in context
- Quiet afternoons have been few and far between this month.
- Opportunities to practise with an expert are few and far between, so I booked a place.
Usage note
This phrase often follows a plural subject and are or have been. It can describe scarce things as well as infrequent events.
A short conversation
A: Was it easy to find a weekend class?
B: No, classes at that time are few and far between.
A: I am glad you found one.
One more practice question
If job openings are few and far between, what is true?
A. There are very few suitable openings.
B. There are many openings available all the time.
Check your answer
A. The expression stresses scarcity or infrequency.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.