scarce (redirected from scarcer)

*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: teeth

Good men are scarce. and A good man is hard to find.

Prov. Men who make good husbands or workers are rare. Larry is the best employee I've ever had, and I'll go to a good deal of effort to keep him, because good men are scarce. "I think you should marry John," Sue advised her daughter. "He's a good man, and a good man is hard to find."

See also: good, men

make oneself scarce

Fig. [for someone] to become difficult to find; [for someone to] go into hiding. Tom is mad and is looking for you. Better make yourself scarce. Make yourself scarce! Here comes the sheriff.

See also: make, oneself

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be as scarce as hen's teeth  (American & Australian)

to be very difficult or impossible to find It was the President's inauguration and hotel rooms in Washington were as scarce as hen's teeth.

See also: teeth

make yourself scarce  (informal)

to leave, especially in order to avoid trouble I think you'd better make yourself scarce - at least until I've had a chance to talk to your father.

See also: make