scarce as hen's teeth

(as) scarce as hens' teeth

Incredibly scarce or rare; extremely difficult or impossible to find. Support for the candidate is as scarce as hens' teeth in this part of the country.
See also: scarce, teeth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

*scarce as hen's teeth

 and scarcer than hen's teeth
Cliché scarce; seldom found. (*Also: as ~.) I do declare, decent people are as scarce as hen's teeth in these chaotic times. Handmade lace is scarcer than hen's teeth; most lace is made by machine.
See also: scarce, teeth
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

scarce as hen's teeth

Also, scarcer than hen's teeth. Exceptionally rare, as in On a rainy night, taxis are as scarce as hen's teeth. Since hens have no teeth, this term in effect says that something is so scarce as to be nonexistent. [Mid-1800s]
See also: scarce, teeth
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

(as) rare/scarce as hen’s ˈteeth

(old-fashioned) extremely rare: Critics always complain that good movies that the whole family can see together are as scarce as hen’s teeth.
This refers to the fact that hens do not have teeth.
See also: rare, scarce, teeth
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

scarce as hen's teeth

Singularly rare. Also put as scarcer than hen’s teeth, this allusion to nonexistent dentition is an Americanism of the nineteenth century. It appeared in James Gilmore’s My Southern Friends (1863): “Horses are scarcer than hen’s teeth around here.”
See also: scarce, teeth
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer

scarce as hen's teeth

Nonexistent. Hens have no teeth, so what could possibly be scarcer? (Stones in their gizzards act as teeth to grind their food).
See also: scarce, teeth
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • (as) scarce as hens' teeth
  • be as scarce as hen's teeth
  • rarer than hens' teeth
  • scarcer
  • scarcer than hens' teeth
  • scarce
  • rare
  • rare as hen's teeth
  • rare/scarce as hen's teeth
  • (as) rare as hens' teeth
References in classic literature
Whales are scarce as hen's teeth whenever thou art up here.
Moby Dick I LXVII
LONDON -- Chicken is still as scarce as hen's teeth at KFC's British outlets.
Slowing online sales send Walmart's stock tumbling
A week after the Prime Minister called the general election, sightings of her are still as scarce as hen's teeth.
PM's pal is roasted by our chicken; THE GENERAL ELECTION 2017: EVASIVE TORIES
'International touring productions of 'Wicked' are as scarce as hen's teeth. When one becomes available, we grab it as quickly as possible, as it is unlikely that there will be another production for the 10 years.
Something 'Wicked' this way comes again
For one reason, the Kart .22 conversions are as scarce as hen's teeth, and for another, we wouldn't be able afford to buy a Kart if we found one.
Not just another 1911/.22 Conversion Kit
Limited to just 1500 units, you'll have to get a move on to secure one, for soon they'll be as scarce as hen's teeth.
Age no handicap; Even though it has seen its 30th birthday come and go, there's no way Volkswagen's iconic Golf is slowing down, writes BRUCE BOOTH
I can assure Mr Bell that races of this type and grade are as scarce as hen's teeth, and such opportunities have to be taken where possible.
Letters: The case still remains
In publishing, African American men are as scarce as Hen's teeth, but a stalwart cadre are still making a difference.
A Few Good Men
Auctioneer Tim Ball, of Howkins and Harrison, described rural building plots as "scarce as hen's teeth".
Plot price soars
Forrest says his group's inability to locate VB 8B suggests that brown dwarfs are "scarce as hen's teeth or maybe even scarcer."
The search for unlit stars
WHEN it comes to perfecting one's looks at the least cost, common sense can be as scarce as hen's teeth.
Teeners seeking perfect teeth warned on DIY braces craze