一握り
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
handful; a handful (of)
Literal amount that fits in one hand; also used figuratively for a small number of people or things.
He put a handful of rice into the pot.
Only a handful of people know the truth.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
small amount; small number; a few
Emphasizes scarcity or a very limited quantity; often used with nouns like お金, 情報, チャンス.
It's hard to live on a small amount of money.
We could only get a small amount of information.
trouncing; crushing; putting down easily
Used in the pattern 〜を一握りにする to mean defeating or handling someone/something with ease, as if crushing it in one's hand.
He crushed his opponent with ease.
It was difficult to put down that problem easily.
Usage patterns
- 一握りの〈人〉a handful of people (only a very small number)
Only a handful of people actually succeed.
- 一握りの〈物〉a small amount of something (money, information, etc.)
He had only a small amount of money.
- 〈相手〉を一握りにするto crush/defeat someone with ease
The champion crushed the challenger with ease.
Expressions
- ほんの一握りjust a handful; only a small number