1
general::
At wide intervals, scarce, as in Supporters of the amendment are few and far between. This expression originally was used very literally for physical objects such as houses appearing at widely separated intervals. Today it is Also used more loosely. [Mid-1600s]
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): few and far between
very few; few and widely scattered. • Get some gasoline now. Service stations on this highway are few and far between. • Some people think that good movies are few and far between.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs