rare bird

Thân thiện

A rare bird visited our backyard feeder this morning.

Definition

Noun: A person who is unusual, exceptional, or one of a kind; someone with unique qualities, interests, or characteristics that make them stand out from others.

Usage

This term is used to describe an individual who is notably different or uncommon in a positive or intriguing way. It emphasizes rarity and distinctiveness.

Examples

• He's a rare bird in the tech industry—a CEO who is also a classically trained pianist.
• A true scholar with such humility is a rare bird these days.
• She collects 18th-century nautical maps; she's a real rare bird.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can sometimes carry a slightly whimsical or admiring tone, acknowledging someone's uniqueness without negative judgment.
• It is typically used in singular form ("a rare bird"). The plural "rare birds" is grammatically possible but less common.

Variants and Related Words

• Rarity (n): The state of being rare. While "rare bird" refers specifically to a person, "rarity" can refer to any rare thing or quality.
  • Such honesty is a rarity in politics.
• Odd bird (n, informal): A similar idiom, but it can imply a stronger sense of eccentricity or strangeness.

Synonyms

• Unicorn (informal, modern)
• One of a kind
• Exception
• Nonconformist

Idioms

• A rare breed: A very similar idiom with identical meaning and usage.
  • Teachers who inspire every student are a rare breed.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a rare or unique person

Từ đồng nghĩa

• rara avis