Rare as hen's teeth
Meaning
Something that is "rare as hen's teeth" is exceedingly uncommon, practically impossible to find, or simply doesn't exist.
Origin
The phrase "rare as hen's teeth" cleverly leverages a universally acknowledged biological fact: chickens don't have teeth. This simple, undeniable truth creates an instant, vivid image of impossibility that has resonated for centuries. While the exact moment it crystallized into its current form is lost to time, early mentions in the 17th century, such as in Thomas Blount's 1656 'Glossographia,' show the concept of a 'hen with teeth' already signifying something extraordinary or impossible to attain. It's a testament to the power of direct, observational language, born likely from the everyday sights of rural life, that this idiom remains a punchy and memorable way to describe ultimate scarcity.
Examples
- Finding an original, untouched copy of that first edition novel is rare as hen's teeth these days.
- A politician who always tells the absolute truth is as rare as hen's teeth in today's climate.