a few crumbs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a few crumbs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small amount of something, often in a metaphorical sense, indicating scarcity or a minimal offering. Example: "After the meeting, all I received were a few crumbs of information about the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"How about throwing my kid a few crumbs?" he says.

Forbes

What are a few crumbs between mates?

The Guardian

More often, my response is to plop down, scatter a few crumbs and move on.

The New York Times

A few crumbs of why would be better than what I'm gnawin on now".

The New Yorker

"If you've got a few crumbs in there, that's not an issue," she said.

The New York Times

The men have already combed it for gold, but usually a few crumbs remain.

The New York Times

Even a few crumbs of bread can cause bloating, diarrhoea and damage to the gut lining.

The Guardian - Opinion

The offering of a few crumbs is appreciated by two grey wagtails, but our search continues.

The Guardian - Travel

When a skewer pulls out with only a few crumbs sticking to it, it's done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he was just stopping to cough slightly on a few crumbs.

The Guardian - Sport

A few crumbs of comfort for Brown are to be found in Boswells cafe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a few crumbs" to subtly express disappointment or dissatisfaction when something offered is perceived as inadequate or insufficient. For example, "The company offered a few crumbs of compensation after the layoff."

Common error

Avoid using "a few crumbs" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional language like "limited quantity" or "minimal amount" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a few crumbs" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a small and often inadequate quantity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Opinion

14%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a few crumbs" is a determiner phrase used to express a small and often insufficient amount. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and very commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Opinion contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal or technical writing, opting for more precise language instead. Related phrases include "a small portion" and "a tiny bit". Remember, use "a few crumbs" when you want to subtly convey disappointment or highlight the inadequacy of something offered.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a small portion

Emphasizes the limited quantity available, similar to "a few crumbs".

a tiny bit

Highlights the minimal nature of the offering or amount.

a modicum

Suggests a barely sufficient quantity, often in a formal context.

a hint

Implies a subtle or indirect indication, rather than a substantial amount.

a trace

Highlights the almost imperceptible nature of the remaining amount.

a smattering

Suggests a scattered and sparse distribution.

a trickle

Conveys a slow and meager flow or provision.

a drop in the bucket

Illustrates insignificance relative to the overall need or demand.

scant amount

Focuses on the insufficiency and inadequacy of the quantity.

a fragment

Emphasizes the broken or incomplete nature of what is available.

FAQs

How can I use "a few crumbs" in a sentence?

You can use "a few crumbs" to describe a small or insufficient amount of something, often in a metaphorical sense. For example: "The company offered only "a few crumbs" of information regarding the new policy."

What are some alternatives to saying "a few crumbs"?

Alternatives include "a small portion", "a tiny bit", or "a modicum", depending on the context and level of formality you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a few crumbs"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the meagerness or inadequacy of something offered or available. It often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying that more was expected or desired.

Is "a few crumbs" an idiom?

While not a formal idiom, "a few crumbs" functions idiomatically to represent a very small and often unsatisfactory amount of something, drawing on the imagery of crumbs being leftover or insignificant pieces.