As scarce as hens teeth

Meaning

Extremely rare or hard to find.

Usage

Used to emphasize the rarity of people or items.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

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

Used in Appalachian speech for over a century.