phrases - About the meaning of "light smattering of applause"


I expected "light smattering of applause" to mean "few applause" because "light" has the meaning of "small, not heavy".


However, the phrase seems to mean "a lot of applause" in the context. For example:



The critics were so fulsome in their praise that Scheinhauer, a librettist known to become squeamish after a light smattering of applause, retreated from public view.



Does anyone know how to understand the meaning of light smattering of applause?



Answer



I think your original intepretation is correct. If Scheinhauer became squeamish after even a light smattering, than the more fulsome praise made him retreat entirely. "Light smattering" is used to contrast "fulsome", to mean exactly what you thought.


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