Scarce as Hens’ Teeth
This photo, with lots of ducks and a rooster, has no hens. Hens are as scarce as hens’ teeth here.
Scarce as hens’ teeth means very scarce.
What we seek is:
- Rare
- Impossible or almost impossible to find
We seldom find a:
- Mud puddle in the desert
- Polar bear in Kentucky
- Pessimist at an optimists’ meeting
Hens have no teeth.
That fact emphasizes how scarce an item can be. Finding what we want is like looking for a needle in a haystack. However, as with mud puddles in the desert, we may find them once in a blue moon.
We often give greater value to scarce items.
Supply and demand teach that demand (and prices) go up when supply goes down. We see that with:
- One-of-a-kind art
- Antiques
- Limited editions of anything
Truth frequently feels as scarce as hens’ teeth.
Everywhere we turn, we find people trying to deceive us. Scams appear:
- On our phones
- In the mail
- During business deals
Such occurrences make us mad as a wet hen.
Occasionally, we wonder if truth exists anymore.
However, one truth never fails.
God, who is truth, offers each of us grace and truth through the gift of Jesus. Hang on to that truth and never let go.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV).
Thanks to Emily Akin for the suggestion.
Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment.
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10 thoughts on “Scarce as Hens’ Teeth”
I saw a billboard advertising a dentist’s office that used this expression referring to those who don’t visit the dentist. So cute!
You gave me my first laugh of the day, Tracy! Thank you.
Great explanation, Diana!
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. I enjoy writing these. Have a wonderful day!
I’d always heard, and used, “It’s like pulling hen’s teeth” here, which meant something was nearly impossible. Always enjoy learning new colloquialisms and how they are used in different parts of the world.
Those little twists in our words make conversation interesting, don’t they, J.D. Thanks for your take on this expression.
I remember hearing this phrase a lot as a child–not so much now, but that’s likely because some sayings are generational and/or regional. I enjoyed the way you added other expressions into your message about hens’ teeth. You share knowledge and smiles in your messages. Thank you, Diana.
Thank you, Katherine. I’m so glad you gain smiles as well as knowledge. This expression is an older one for me too—a grandmother kind of saying.
Never heard of this one! Thanks for sharing.
A few other people said it was new to them too, Gail. I haven’t heard it much for several years. It was fun to remember.