Definition
“Slim pickings” means that there is not very much of something, especially when referring to a lack of good things to choose from.
For example – “I went shopping on Black Friday to get some good deals but it was slim pickings.”
Clip 1
The first clip is from the movie A Simple Favour. Two of the main characters are having a conversation and one of them asks the other if she is dating anyone. She responds by saying that there are “slim pickings” in Warfield which means there aren’t many good dating options to choose from in the town.
Clip 2
The second clip is from the series The Middle and a father is criticising his son for wanting to travel around Europe after he graduates. The father is concerned that by the time he returns from travelling all the good jobs will have been taken and his son will be left with not very many good options (slim pickings).
Clip 3
The 3rd clip is from Midsomer Murders and the police are waiting on lab results to help identify a murderer. Unfortunately, the evidence comes back as “slim pickings” which means there wasn’t very much in the results that could help with the investigation.
Clip 4
The last clip is from the series Designated Survivor. The characters are discussing candidates who could potentially be vice president and work in the cabinet but there are not many good candidates to choose from which is why they describe the situation as “slim pickings.”