Ah, the phrase “scarce as hen’s teeth!” 🐔 Let’s dissect this expression that effortlessly beaks into the scene to describe things rarer than a unicorn moonwalking on a rainbow.
Definition:
scarce as hen’s teeth - Singularly rare or nonexistent. Often used to emphasize extreme scarcity.
Usage:
This phrase generally conveys an element of exaggeration with a pinch of humor, making us visualize our feathered friends brushing nonexistent teeth. Example: “Tickets to the concert are as scarce as hen’s teeth!”
Explanations and Similar Terms:
- Rarer than a blue moon - Significant rarity since a blue moon, the second full moon in a month, isn’t very common. 🌑
- Few and far between - Occurrences that are infrequent and less in number.
- Like finding a needle in a haystack - Almost impossible to find due to rareness and difficulty.
Proverbs and Expressions:
- “If you chase two rabbits, you will not catch either one.” - Often said when emphasizing the scarcity of success when being unfocused.
- “A watched pot never boils.” - The awaited outcome seems rare if you keep checking on it impatiently.
- “Once in a blue moon” - Denoting something that happens rarely or infrequently.
Related Literature and Media:
- Books:
- “Atlas Shrugged” by Ayn Rand - Philosophically rare individuals.
- “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe - Historical significance, though extremely rare replicated context.
- Movies:
- “National Treasure” - Rare artifacts being hunted.
- “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” - A quest for the rarest of items.
- Songs:
- “Rare” by Selena Gomez - Emphasizes the value of rarity.
- “A Rare Occurrence” by Lameria - Literal in its expression of scarcity.
- Poetry:
- “Hope is the thing with feathers” by Emily Dickinson - Rare and unique as ‘hen’s teeth’ in thought sentimentality.
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “I see that common sense is as scarce as hen’s teeth around here.” – A witty remark in a supposedly logical debate.
Inspirational Thought: Embrace what’s rare in life; treasure those scarce moments like a hen might—if she only had teeth.
Author: Analisa T. Wythefun puts the “fun” in “fundamental” and brings joy to the curious linguists of the world with humor and education alike. Keep searching for those rare gems in language!
Published: October 2, 2023
