a few
1. A non-specific but relatively small number (of people or things). The actual number can vary greatly depending on what is being discussed. Can be used as a noun or adjective. When "a few" is used in the phrase "quite a few," it refers to a significant amount. A: "How many people came over last night?" B: "Oh, just a few. It was a pretty quiet night." If the tickets are $5, I won't have enough. I only have a few dollars left. OK, I can see that you've already had quite a few beers, so let's call you a cab, huh?
2. Quite a significant or large amount. An ironic usage of Definition 1. Regrets? Oh, I've had a few, honey. Aunt Betty had a face like Helen of Troy. Believe me, she had a few lovers in her day!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
a few
A small number of persons or things. This phrase can differ slightly from
few used alone, which means "not many." For example,
The party was to end at eight, but a few stayed on indicates that a small number of guests remained, whereas
The party began at eight, and few attended means that hardly any guests came. [Late 1200s] Also see
quite a bit (few).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.