crumbs
word · lemma: crumb
Definition
Small fragments of bread, cake, or other baked food. Figuratively, very small amounts or insignificant portions of something, especially when more is expected.
Usage & Nuances
Literal: 'bread crumbs' (also 'breadcrumbs' — one word in cooking and web navigation contexts). Figurative: 'crumbs of comfort/information/hope' (tiny amounts). 'Throw someone crumbs' means to give them very little. In British English, 'crumbs!' is an old-fashioned exclamation of surprise. 'Breadcrumbs' in UI/UX is a navigation pattern.
Example Sentences
The detective followed a trail of digital crumbs — IP addresses, timestamps, deleted messages.
natural
There were crumbs all over the kitchen table.
basic
She brushed the crumbs off her lap after eating the cookie.
basic
The birds came to eat the crumbs she threw on the ground.
basic
While the executives got huge bonuses, the workers were left with crumbs.
natural
She offered only crumbs of information, keeping the rest of the story to herself.
natural