A Good Man is Hard to Find – Meaning & Usage Examples

“A Good Man is Hard to Find” is an idiom in the English language that people use in everyday conversation. You have likely used this expression yourself at some point, but many people don’t know its true meaning. Understand the meaning of this idiom, learn where it came from, and see some example sentences to help you use it in daily conversation.

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘a good man is hard to find’ reflects the notion that finding a truly virtuous, dependable, and admirable man can be challenging. This expression is often used to convey the difficulty in discovering someone with positive qualities and moral integrity.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of this idiom can be traced to various literary and cultural references. It gained prominence as the title of a short story by Flannery O’Connor, published in 1953, where the phrase takes on a more ominous meaning. Over time, the idiom has become a widely recognized way to express the challenge of finding a genuinely good man.

10 Idiom Example Sentences

1. Emily often laments that in the modern dating scene, a good man is hard to find, with many prioritizing superficial qualities over genuine character.

2. In her search for a reliable business partner, Sarah discovered that a good man is hard to find, as trustworthiness and commitment proved elusive.

3. Jane advised her friend to be patient in relationships, emphasizing that a good man is hard to find but worth the wait.

4. Mark’s grandmother used to say that in her time, a good man was hard to find, but those who found one had a treasure for life.

5. When it comes to forming lasting friendships, Mary believes that a good man is hard to find, requiring shared values and mutual respect.

6. The job market can be challenging, and many employers feel that a good man is hard to find, with the right skills and qualities in high demand.

7. As a mentor, John often advises his mentees that in leadership roles, a good man is hard to find, emphasizing the importance of integrity and empathy.

8. In the realm of politics, some voters express the sentiment that a good man is hard to find, leading to skepticism about candidates’ sincerity.

9. The elderly often share stories of their youth, reminiscing about a time when a good man was hard to find but genuine connections were cherished.

10. Facing the complexities of modern life, individuals may express that a good man is hard to find, urging society to prioritize kindness and compassion.

How to Use ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’ in Everyday Conversations

Now that you know the meaning and origin of the idiom “a good man is hard to find,” let’s see how you can use it in a real-world conversation.

Conversation 1:

Sophie and Emma are talking about Sophie’s dating experiences.

Sophie: I’ve been on so many dates lately, but none of them seem to work out.

Emma: Don’t be too hard on yourself. A good man is hard to find, but the right one will come along eventually.

Sophie: I hope so. It’s just frustrating to keep meeting people who aren’t serious.

Emma: I get it. Just be patient, and don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Conversation 2:

James and Lily are discussing their friend Ethan’s dedication to his work.

James: Did you hear about Ethan? He stayed up all night finishing that project for the charity event.

Lily: That’s amazing. A good man is hard to find, and Ethan is one of the best.

James: Absolutely. He’s always willing to go the extra mile for others.

Lily: People like him really make a difference. He’s a gem.

Similar Idioms

1. One in a Million

Meaning: This idiom refers to someone or something that is very rare or exceptional.

Example: He’s so kind and understanding—truly one in a million.

2. Diamond in the Rough

Meaning: This phrase describes someone or something with great potential or value but needing refinement or recognition.

Example: She may seem unpolished, but she’s a diamond in the rough.

Idioms Starting From Letter A

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter A. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘A’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the A-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter A.

Related Idioms:

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