select few
Small exclusive group
A select few is a small, carefully chosen group distinguished from a larger whole.
The phrase emphasizes both limitation in number and deliberate selection based on merit, privilege, or special qualification: Only a select few were invited to the private reception.
It often carries connotations of exclusivity or elite status.
- eliteSuperior select group
- upper crustSocial elite class
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- chosenSelected from alternatives
- chosen onesSelected for special purpose
handpicked · privileged · A list · inner circle · inner sanctum · VIP · rarified · clique · in crowd · old boys club · anointed · cream · top tier · distinguished · special · curated · limited · invitation
- eliteelite, elites, aristocrats, nobility, best
- selected groupscommittee, panel, jury, task force, delegation
- inner circlesinner circle, inner ring, inner sanctum, in-group, ingroup
- exclusionexclude, excluded, rule out, banned, bans
- scarcityscarcity, scarce, shortage, scant, scanty
select fewthe masses
Common populace collectively
everyone · the many · all and sundry · general public · one and all
select fewcommon people
Non-elite members of society
ordinary folk · the masses · average Joe · everyman · regular people
select fewthe common people
Ordinary members of society
rank and file · ordinary people · hoi polloi · everyman · Joe Public
select, few, selected, selecting, selects, selection, selections, selective, selectively