Region: US | Usage example: Good replacements are as scarce as hens teeth in this town.

As scarce as hens teeth

Meaning

Extremely rare or hard to find.

Used to emphasize the rarity of people or items.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Hens do not have teeth, so the expression exaggerates rarity.

Used in Appalachian speech for over a century.