short commons

short commons pl (plural only)

1. Meagre rations.
   • 1838, Boz [pseudonym; Charles Dickens], Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy’s Progress. […], volume (please specify |volume=I, II, or III), London: Richard Bentley, […], →OCLC:

     The master, in his cook's uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him; the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over the short commons.

   • 1868, Louisa M[ay] Alcott, Little Women: Or, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy, (please specify |part=1 or 2), Boston, Mass.: Roberts Brothers, →OCLC:

     Kitty, the cook, who took life 'aisy', kept him on short commons.

2. By inference, the phrase can be used metaphorically, to describe other incidences where a less than expected ration of something is allotted.