slim pickings

A small amount left after others have taken a share. For example, After each of the children took what they wanted of Mother's things, it was slim pickings for the rest of the family . This expression alludes to animals devouring a carcass. [Early 1600s]

See also: picking, slim

References in periodicals archive ?

International breaks can often mean slim pickings for columnists but Howard always had things he wanted to say.

SHARP, HONEST AND FUNNY TO THE VERY LAST

Damian says: "I'm finding form which is a shame as it is pretty slim pickings for us this weekend.

SPFL FIRST SCORER TIPS & CONTEST

STRIP out Meryl Streep's charisma and we're left with slim pickings in this redemptive rock 'n' roll drama.

Where Streep has no shame; NOW SHOWING

Do you need any further evidence of the slim pickings of BBC Wales TV programmes every week when all they can advertise is that one programme?

YOU SAY

Gillespie also commended the selection of Chris Rogers in the Australian Ashes squad, saying that the veteran has performed consistently over a long period of time for which he has got his reward, adding that Australian batting has had slim pickings over the last few years.

Gillespie says English bowling attack to fare better than Oz in Ashes

Some want to know what the 'problem' is while others remind me that the clock is ticking and I'd better grab the chance while I can as it's slim pickings the older you get and time's running out.

'No I'm not married - why does it matter?'

There look to be slim pickings north of the border this week with the SPL enjoying a week off, but expect goals in the Division Three clash between Annan and Montrose.

Spiders look to have the edge; SCOTLAND

and $4 billion to $5 billion in contracts overseas, this seems like slim pickings.

United States : ON SMALL firm contracts score is being raised by USAID

Now you can pick up a paper on a Thursday and read "300 jobs inside" and unless you are an IT technician or a marketing manager it's very slim pickings indeed.

What hope is there for the job hunters? 10 letters@coventrytelegraph.net Letters letters@coventrytelegraph.net 11, 2012

And with Smith still operating on slim pickings Wylde knows just how big a part he could end up playing this season.

GERS START IS JUST WYLDE

There were slim pickings for the environment from the election campaign.

Healthy ecosystems campaign

SLIM PICKINGS Xpose presenter Lisa Cannon yesterday and, below, in 2008

Lisa's worth the weight

PB Responds: Arizona hogs are pretty slim pickings these days.

Point him to the pigs

Fulham welcome Sunderland in the early kick-off, and seldom offer guests anything other than slim pickings and a stifling atmosphere.

BEST BETS; Toffees not so sweet to Spurs

There were no surprises among the 10 withdrawals - An Accordion, Cane Brake, Finger Onthe Pulse, Gungadu, Joe Lively, Mister Top Notch, Or Noir De Somoza, Slim Pickings, Tidal Bay and Trabolgan.