a rare bird
Meaning: An unusual person or thing.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “A politician who admits mistakes is a rare bird.”
Category: Animals
Origin: From the Latin "rara avis," used by the Roman satirist Juvenal about the ideal wife, "a rare bird on the earth, like a black swan."
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Un oiseau rare — literally: A rare bird
More idioms — Animals
- follow the herd — To do what everyone else does without thinking.
- a leopard can't change its spots — People cannot change their basic nature.
- set the cat among the pigeons — To say or do something that causes trouble or uproar.
- all bark and no bite — Threatening or boastful but not actually dangerous.
- talk the hind legs off a donkey — To talk endlessly.
- jump through hoops — To go through many difficult or pointless steps to get something.
More English idioms
- all grist to the mill — Everything can be turned to use or advantage.
- you can't make an omelet without breaking eggs — Achieving something worthwhile involves some loss or damage.
- in a pickle — In a difficult situation.
- have one's work cut out — To face a difficult task.
- mum's the word — Keep this secret; say nothing.
- hale and hearty — Healthy and strong, especially in old age.
From our compliments & insults
- Du bist klasse — You're brilliant — excellent, impressive, top-notch.
- 気が利く (ki ga kiku) — You're perceptive and considerately thoughtful — you notice what people need before they…
- できる人 (dekiru hito) — Said of someone highly capable and impressive — the kind of person who makes things happe…