expression, noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
just a handful; only a small number
Emphasizes that the quantity is very small, often used with people or countable things. The phrase ほんの (merely) adds a nuance of insignificance.
会議に来たのはほんの一握りの人だけだった。
Only a handful of people came to the meeting.
彼はほんの一握りのチャンスをものにした。
He seized the only small chance he had.