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.
Only a handful of people came to the meeting.
He seized the only small chance he had.
Combination of ほんの (merely) and 一握り (a handful). The phrase is straightforward and its meaning is transparent from its components.