Finding it tough to articulate something truly unique, hard to find, or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? Just saying “rare” often misses the mark.
This article dives into Idioms for Rare, equipping you with vivid, native-like phrases to describe scarcity and exceptionality.
Expand your vocabulary and confidently express the truly uncommon, making your descriptions far more impactful and memorable.
Best Idioms for Rare
1. Rare as hen’s teeth
Meaning: Extremely rare; almost non-existent.
In a Sentence:
Finding an honest politician these days can be as rare as hen’s teeth.
Original copies of that comic book are as rare as hen’s teeth.
Other Ways to Say: Very rare, Extremely scarce, Almost impossible to find, Non-existent
2. Once in a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely.
In a Sentence:
I only see my old college friends once in a blue moon.
He only eats vegetables once in a blue moon.
Other Ways to Say: Infrequently, Seldom, Hardly ever, Rarely
3. Few and far between
Meaning: Not happening or existing very often or in very many places; uncommon.
In a Sentence:
Good customer service seems to be few and far between these days.
Sunny days in winter are few and far between here.
Other Ways to Say: Scarce, Uncommon, Infrequent, Seldom found
4. One in a million
Meaning: Extremely rare, special, or outstanding.
In a Sentence:
She’s truly one in a million; her talent is unmatched.
Finding a pristine classic car like this is a one-in-a-million chance.
Other Ways to Say: Unique, Exceptional, Rare, Extraordinary
5. Needle in a haystack
Meaning: Something that is extremely difficult or impossible to find because it is hidden among many other things.
In a Sentence:
Finding my old photo in this disorganized archive is like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Trying to trace that tiny component among thousands is a needle in a haystack.
Other Ways to Say: Very difficult to find, Almost impossible to locate, Futile search
6. Scarce as hen’s teeth
Meaning: Extremely rare; almost non-existent. (Same as “rare as hen’s teeth”).
In a Sentence:
Reliable used cars at a good price are scarce as hen’s teeth right now.
Common sense seems to be as scarce as hen’s teeth in this situation.
Other Ways to Say: Very rare, Extremely scarce, Almost impossible to find, Non-existent
7. Like gold dust
Meaning: Something that is very rare and valuable, and therefore difficult to obtain.
In a Sentence:
Tickets for the final concert are like gold dust.
During the pandemic, face masks were like gold dust.
Other Ways to Say: Very scarce, Highly sought after, Hard to get, Priceless
8. A diamond in the rough
Meaning: Someone or something that has great potential or value but needs refinement or development.
In a Sentence:
The young athlete is a diamond in the rough; with training, she’ll be a star.
The old house was a diamond in the rough, needing a lot of work but having great bones.
Other Ways to Say: Hidden potential, Undeveloped talent, Untapped value, Promising but unrefined
9. One of a kind
Meaning: Unique; unlike any other.
In a Sentence:
Her handmade jewelry designs are truly one of a kind.
That antique vase is one of a kind and extremely valuable.
Other Ways to Say: Unique, Singular, Distinctive, Unmatched
10. As rare as a unicorn
Meaning: Extremely rare; mythical in its rarity.
In a Sentence:
An honest lawyer who works for free is as rare as a unicorn.
Finding parking downtown on a Saturday is as rare as a unicorn.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely rare, Legendary, Non-existent, Imaginary
11. Thin on the ground
Meaning: Few in number; scarce.
In a Sentence:
Skilled workers in this niche industry are very thin on the ground.
Opportunities like this are thin on the ground, so don’t miss out.
Other Ways to Say: Scarce, Few, Limited, Insufficient
12. Hard to come by
Meaning: Difficult to obtain or find.
In a Sentence:
Genuine original artworks by that master are hard to come by.
Good, fresh produce can be hard to come by in the winter months.
Other Ways to Say: Scarce, Rare, Difficult to find, Unavailable
13. Once in a lifetime
Meaning: Occurring only once in a person’s life; a unique and exceptional opportunity.
In a Sentence:
Visiting the Great Barrier Reef was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This job offer is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I can’t pass up.
Other Ways to Say: Unique, Unprecedented, Exceptional, Special opportunity
14. A rare bird
Meaning: An unusual or extraordinary person or thing.
In a Sentence:
He’s a rare bird who genuinely enjoys working on weekends.
Finding someone with both artistic talent and business acumen is a rare bird.
Other Ways to Say: Unique person, Unusual individual, Uncommon specimen, Anomaly
15. Like finding a four-leaf clover
Meaning: Extremely lucky or rare to find.
In a Sentence:
Getting a perfect score on that difficult exam is like finding a four-leaf clover.
Finding an apartment this good and this cheap is like finding a four-leaf clover.
Other Ways to Say: Very lucky, Fortunate, Rare occurrence, Stroke of luck
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16. In short supply
Meaning: Not available in large enough quantities; scarce.
In a Sentence:
Clean drinking water is in short supply in many developing countries.
Patience seemed to be in short supply at the crowded airport.
Other Ways to Say: Scarce, Limited, Insufficient, Rare
17. As scarce as a snowball in summer
Meaning: Extremely rare or impossible to find.
In a Sentence:
Enthusiasm for Monday mornings is as scarce as a snowball in summer.
Finding a quiet spot in that busy mall is as scarce as a snowball in summer.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely rare, Non-existent, Impossible, Unlikely
18. A red-letter day
Meaning: A day that is memorable because of a special or happy event.
In a Sentence:
The day I graduated was a real red-letter day for me.
The signing of the peace treaty was a red-letter day in history.
Other Ways to Say: Memorable day, Special day, Important day, Celebratory day
19. Rarer than a white raven
Meaning: Extremely rare, almost unheard of.
In a Sentence:
Finding a genuine vintage watch in perfect condition is rarer than a white raven.
Such selfless dedication is rarer than a white raven in today’s world.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely rare, Unique, Unheard of, Exceptionally scarce
20. A needle in a stack of needles
Meaning: Something that is virtually impossible to find because it is indistinguishable from many similar items. (More extreme than ‘needle in a haystack’).
In a Sentence:
Finding the one faulty line of code in this massive program feels like a needle in a stack of needles.
Identifying the original document among these thousands of identical copies is like a needle in a stack of needles.
Other Ways to Say: Virtually impossible to find, Indistinguishable, Hopeless search
21. Few and far apart
Meaning: Not frequently or closely occurring. (Similar to ‘few and far between’).
In a Sentence:
His visits to his hometown are few and far apart now that he lives abroad.
Opportunities for quiet reflection are few and far apart in modern life.
Other Ways to Say: Infrequent, Sporadic, Uncommon, Widely spaced
22. Like a hen with teeth
Meaning: Something that is impossible or will never happen. (More informal/humorous variant of “rare as hen’s teeth”).
In a Sentence:
He’ll apologize when pigs fly, or perhaps when he grows teeth like a hen.
That company will admit fault like a hen with teeth.
Other Ways to Say: Impossible, Never, Highly unlikely
23. A rare gem
Meaning: A person or thing that is unusually excellent, valuable, or special.
In a Sentence:
His talent for both singing and songwriting makes him a rare gem.
This vintage book, in such perfect condition, is a rare gem.
Other Ways to Say: Unique talent, Valued find, Exceptional individual, Treasure
24. Once in a coon’s age
Meaning: Very rarely; after a very long time (informal, somewhat old-fashioned).
In a Sentence:
I only get to see my cousin once in a coon’s age.
He only leaves his house once in a coon’s age.
Other Ways to Say: Very rarely, Seldom, Infrequently, Once in a blue moon
25. Hard to find
Meaning: Difficult to locate or obtain. (Similar to ‘hard to come by’).
In a Sentence:
Affordable housing in the city is becoming increasingly hard to find.
Reliable craftsmen are hard to find these days.
Other Ways to Say: Scarce, Rare, Elusive, Unavailable
26. A one-off
Meaning: Something that happens or is made only once; unique.
In a Sentence:
This special edition car is a one-off and will never be produced again.
The unusual performance was a one-off event.
Other Ways to Say: Unique, Singular, Non-recurring, Special
27. As rare as rocking horse manure
Meaning: Extremely rare; non-existent (informal, humorous, British English).
In a Sentence:
Honest politicians are as rare as rocking horse manure.
Finding a truly original idea in pop music today is as rare as rocking horse manure.
Other Ways to Say: Non-existent, Extremely rare, Impossible to find, Mythical
28. Like a comet in the sky
Meaning: Appearing rarely and often with great impact or brilliance, then disappearing.
In a Sentence:
Her brief but brilliant career was like a comet in the sky.
That exceptional talent comes along like a comet in the sky.
Other Ways to Say: Infrequent and striking, Brief but brilliant, Rare phenomenon
29. A rare breed
Meaning: A person or thing that is uncommon or unusual in their characteristics or type.
In a Sentence:
He’s a rare breed who prefers reading books to watching TV.
Finding a truly dedicated craftsman like him is a rare breed these days.
Other Ways to Say: Uncommon type, Unusual kind, Unique individual, Special category
30. Not a snowball’s chance in hell
Meaning: No chance at all; absolutely impossible.
In a Sentence:
You have not a snowball’s chance in hell of winning that lottery.
He has not a snowball’s chance in hell of passing the exam without studying.
Other Ways to Say: No chance, Impossible, Unlikely, Futile
31. Like water in the desert
Meaning: Something that is desperately needed but extremely scarce.
In a Sentence:
Any help from the government felt like water in the desert for the struggling community.
Finding a moment of peace in this chaotic city is like water in the desert.
Other Ways to Say: Desperately needed but scarce, Extremely rare, Invaluable and absent
32. A once-in-a-blue-moon chance
Meaning: A very rare opportunity.
In a Sentence:
This concert ticket is a once-in-a-blue-moon chance to see my favorite band.
Such an investment opportunity is a once-in-a-blue-moon chance.
Other Ways to Say: Rare opportunity, Infrequent chance, Unique occasion
33. As rare as a dodo
Meaning: Extremely rare; almost extinct or non-existent.
In a Sentence:
Polite phone calls from telemarketers are as rare as a dodo.
Finding a quiet, untouched beach can be as rare as a dodo now.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely rare, Almost extinct, Non-existent, Very uncommon
34. Like a pearl in an oyster
Meaning: Something valuable and beautiful that is hidden or discovered unexpectedly.
In a Sentence:
That small, unknown cafe is truly like a pearl in an oyster.
Her quiet talent was like a pearl in an oyster, waiting to be discovered.
Other Ways to Say: Hidden gem, Unexpected treasure, Undiscovered value
35. A rare find
Meaning: Something valuable or unusual that is discovered.
In a Sentence:
This antique map was a rare find at the flea market.
Finding such a dedicated and talented employee is a rare find.
Other Ways to Say: Treasure, Discovery, Valuable item, Unique acquisition
Related Post: 50 Idioms for Memory That Stick With You
36. One for the books
Meaning: Something very unusual, surprising, or memorable.
In a Sentence:
That performance was one for the books; absolutely unforgettable.
His excuse for being late was truly one for the books.
Other Ways to Say: Memorable, Unforgettable, Remarkable, Extraordinary
37. Like a shooting star
Meaning: Something beautiful or remarkable that appears briefly and then quickly disappears.
In a Sentence:
His brief but brilliant career was like a shooting star across the sky.
Their sudden success was like a shooting star, here one moment, gone the next.
Other Ways to Say: Ephemeral, Fleeting, Transient, Brief but brilliant
38. As scarce as daylight in winter
Meaning: Extremely rare or minimal (especially in northern regions during winter).
In a Sentence:
Energy and motivation were as scarce as daylight in winter during that long project.
Good news seemed as scarce as daylight in winter after the disaster.
Other Ways to Say: Very rare, Minimal, Infrequent, Scarce
39. A fluke
Meaning: An unlikely chance occurrence, usually a surprising piece of luck.
In a Sentence:
His win was just a fluke; he’s never played well before.
Getting that interview was a total fluke.
Other Ways to Say: Coincidence, Accident, Stroke of luck, Serendipity
40. Like a blue moon
Meaning: Very rarely. (Same as ‘once in a blue moon’).
In a Sentence:
That kind of opportunity comes around like a blue moon.
He only cleans his room like a blue moon.
Other Ways to Say: Rarely, Infrequently, Seldom, Hardly ever
41. Rare as a two-dollar bill
Meaning: Uncommon or not frequently seen.
In a Sentence:
Finding a genuine handwritten letter these days is as rare as a two-dollar bill.
Good customer service without long waits is becoming as rare as a two-dollar bill.
Other Ways to Say: Uncommon, Infrequent, Scarce, Not often seen
42. A sight for sore eyes
Meaning: A person or thing that one is very pleased to see.
In a Sentence:
After weeks of camping, a hot shower was a sight for sore eyes.
My sister arriving at the airport was a real sight for sore eyes.
Other Ways to Say: Welcome sight, Relief, Pleasing view, Comforting presence
43. Like a needle in a hay bale
Meaning: Something extremely difficult to find. (Same as ‘needle in a haystack’).
In a Sentence:
Searching for that tiny piece of evidence in the massive crime scene was like a needle in a hay bale.
Finding a specific document in these disorganized files is like a needle in a hay bale.
Other Ways to Say: Very difficult to find, Almost impossible to locate, Futile search
44. As rare as a phoenix
Meaning: Extremely rare; unique and almost mythical in its existence or rebirth.
In a Sentence:
True second chances in that industry are as rare as a phoenix.
Finding a company that truly prioritizes employee well-being is as rare as a phoenix.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely rare, Unique, Mythical, Legendary
45. Once in a dog’s age
Meaning: After a very long time; very rarely (informal).
In a Sentence:
We only get together with our extended family once in a dog’s age.
He only updates his software once in a dog’s age.
Other Ways to Say: Very rarely, Infrequently, Seldom, Once in a blue moon
46. A rare treat
Meaning: Something pleasant that does not happen often.
In a Sentence:
Getting a quiet evening alone is a rare treat for busy parents.
Having a home-cooked meal these days is a rare treat.
Other Ways to Say: Special occasion, Infrequent pleasure, Welcome rarity
47. Like catching lightning in a bottle
Meaning: To achieve something extremely difficult and unlikely; capturing something elusive.
In a Sentence:
Predicting the stock market is like catching lightning in a bottle.
Creating a viral video is often like catching lightning in a bottle.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely difficult, Nearly impossible, Elusive, Challenging feat
48. As rare as a solar eclipse
Meaning: Extremely rare; happening very infrequently.
In a Sentence:
His spontaneous acts of generosity are as rare as a solar eclipse.
Finding a truly honest car salesman is as rare as a solar eclipse.
Other Ways to Say: Extremely rare, Infrequent, Seldom occurring
49. A one-in-a-million shot
Meaning: A chance or possibility that is extremely unlikely to happen. (Similar to ‘one in a million’).
In a Sentence:
Winning the lottery is a one-in-a-million shot, but someone has to win.
Getting that exclusive scholarship was a one-in-a-million shot, but she did it.
Other Ways to Say: Very unlikely, Remote possibility, Slim chance, Long shot
50. Like a white elephant
Meaning: A possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of. (Originally referred to rare, sacred white elephants in Southeast Asia).
In a Sentence:
That massive old factory became a white elephant for the city.
The luxury car became a white elephant after costing so much in repairs.
Other Ways to Say: Useless possession, Expensive burden, Unwanted asset, Costly nuisance
Exercise to Practice – Idioms for Rare
- Finding a truly original idea in pop music these days feels as _________________________ to come by.
- She only visits her hometown _________________________ since she moved abroad.
- Finding a perfectly preserved dinosaur fossil is like looking for a _________________________.
- His unique combination of humor and wisdom makes him a true _________________________ in the world of entertainment.
- After years of searching, discovering that first edition book was truly a _________________________.
- Opportunities for quiet reflection are _________________________ in our busy modern lives.
- Tickets for the championship final were _________________________ immediately after they went on sale.
- The probability of winning the top prize in that lottery is a _________________________.
- He’s a _________________________ who genuinely enjoys doing tedious administrative tasks.
- His short but brilliant career in art was like a _________________________ across the sky.
Answer Key
- rare as hen’s teeth (or scarce as hen’s teeth / hard to come by)
- once in a blue moon (or once in a coon’s age / once in a dog’s age / like a blue moon)
- needle in a haystack (or needle in a hay bale)
- rare gem (or one of a kind / rare bird)
- rare find
- few and far between (or thin on the ground / few and far apart)
- like gold dust (or in short supply)
- one-in-a-million shot
- rare breed (or rare bird)
- shooting star (or comet in the sky)
Conclusion
Don’t let opportunities for unique expression slip away! Armed with these Idioms for Rare, you have the tools to describe everything uncommon and special with finesse and allure. Confidently “unearth” and integrate these idioms into your communication to make your words truly one-of-a-kind starting today!
Danny Weber is a language enthusiast and freelance writer with a passion for unpacking the beauty of idioms and metaphors. Through years of research and creative exploration, Danny helps readers understand the deeper meanings behind familiar phrases—making figurative language feel accessible, engaging, and alive. Whether he’s decoding classic sayings or crafting new twists on old expressions, Danny’s work invites you to see language with fresh eyes.
