handful
Translation
handful, a small number, a difficult person or task
Examples
She picked up a handful of sand.
She picked up a handful of sand.
Only a handful of people came.
Only a handful of people came.
Her son can be a real handful.
Her son can be a real handful.
Grammar Patterns
a handful of ((sth.)) a small amount of (sth.) She ate a handful of nuts.
to be a handful to be difficult to manage The toddler is a real handful.
Similar Words
Synonyms: a few, a small amount; (difficult person) nuisance, trouble
Etymology
From 'hand' + the suffix '-ful', meaning 'the amount that fills'.
Memory Tips
Starts with the literal meaning 'as much as a hand can hold', then extends to a small number, and then to a person who is 'as much as you can handle'.