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thin on the ground
01
existing or available in very little quantities
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "thin on the ground" and when to use it?
The idiom "thin on the ground" likely has its origins in hunting or military contexts. It refers to a situation where something is scarce or not readily available, much like when game or soldiers are scarce or thinly distributed across a terrain. The phrase has been used for centuries to describe scarcity or rarity. This expression is used to indicate that something is scarce, limited, or not abundant. It emphasizes the idea that there is not much of it available.
Example
Support for the unpopular policy was thin on the ground among the members of parliament.
Job opportunities in this field are thin on the ground these days.
In the small town, entertainment options are thin on the ground, so people often travel to nearby cities.
During the drought, water sources became thin on the ground in the region.
At the end of the season, fresh produce can be thin on the ground at the local market.
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