thin on the ground

thin on the ground (comparative thinner on the ground, superlative thinnest on the ground)

1. scarce, or difficult to find.
   • 2020 November 18, “Stop & Examine”, in Rail, page 71:

     She explains: "Customers are sadly thin on the ground, but my community and charity work are very much still part of me. [...]."

• deficient
• infrequent
• in short supply
• rare
• uncommon
• wanting

• thick on the ground