few and far between?

3 ⤊

few and far between?

I learned that "few and far between" means "extremely rare".
But why does the expression have such a meaning?

2007-02-24 13:23:10 · 2 answers · asked by KenY 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay

2 answers

Using the phrase emphasizes the rarity--not only are there few of the rare item, you are not going to find them in the same place, so they are "far between."

2007-02-24 13:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by Lillian L 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋

like if u say "These diamonds are few and far between" it's like saying these diamonds are hard to find, hence "extremely rare".

2007-02-24 21:27:10 · answer #2 · answered by Shan 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋