The idiom “(as) scarce as hens’ teeth” paints a vivid picture of extreme rarity or nonexistence. This humorous phrase emphasizes just how difficult it is to find something. Since hens don’t have teeth, the expression effectively conveys the idea of something being nearly impossible to come by. Let’s delve into its meaning, examples, and usage.
Meaning of “(as) scarce as hens’ teeth“
The idiom “(as) scarce as hens’ teeth” refers to something that is exceptionally rare or difficult to find, often to the point of being nonexistent. This exaggeration is used to emphasize scarcity in a humorous or lighthearted way.
Examples:
- “Opportunities for promotion are as scarce as hens’ teeth in this company.”
- “That vintage car part is scarcer than hens’ teeth—you might never find it.”
Examples of usage in sentences
Highlighting rarity:
“Honest politicians are as scarce as hens’ teeth.”
“During the drought, fresh vegetables became scarcer than hens’ teeth.“
Exaggerating for effect:
“That rare coin is as scarce as hens’ teeth in today’s market.”
“Finding a decent parking spot downtown on a Friday night is scarcer than hens’ teeth.“
Describing limited availability:
“Tech experts with that level of experience are as scarce as hens’ teeth.“
“In rural areas, medical specialists can be scarcer than hens’ teeth.“
Origin of “(as) scarce as hens’ teeth“
This idiom is rooted in the biological fact that hens (female chickens) lack teeth. The phrase likely originated in the United States in the 19th century and was first recorded in print in the mid-19th century. Its humorous exaggeration highlights how implausible it would be to find teeth in a hen, making it an effective metaphor for extreme rarity.
Synonyms for “(as) scarce as hens’ teeth“
Here are some alternative expressions with similar meanings:
- Few and far between
- Hard to come by
- Rare as a unicorn
- Like finding a needle in a haystack
- Scarce as gold dust
How to use “(as) scarce as hens’ teeth“
In everyday conversations
“Tickets to that concert are scarcer than hens’ teeth—they sold out in minutes!”
“Good quality used cars have become as scarce as hens’ teeth lately.”
In writing or storytelling
“The old collector knew that finding another piece for his set would be as scarce as hens’ teeth.“
“In the post-apocalyptic world, clean water was scarcer than hens’ teeth.“
In formal contexts
“Specialized technicians for this machinery are as scarce as hens’ teeth in the current job market.”
“The availability of that mineral is scarcer than hens’ teeth, which has driven its price up significantly.”
