A good man is hard to find

Definitions

expressing difficulty in finding a person with good character or qualities
Used to convey the idea that it is challenging to find someone who is kind, honest, and reliable.
expressing the rarity of finding a person who meets certain standards
Often used to describe the difficulty in finding a suitable romantic partner or a friend who shares similar values and beliefs.

Examples of A good man is hard to find

The world is filled with men who are selfish, untrustworthy, and unfaithful. Finding a man who is truly honorable, reliable, and devoted is no easy task. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, but with used needles lying around everywhere.

The idiom "a good man is hard to find" highlights the difficulty of locating a trustworthy and honorable man in a world filled with deceitful and unscrupulous individuals. This phrase can be applied to any field or situation where finding someone honest, dependable, and devoted is challenging. It suggests that such individuals are rare, and finding them requires perseverance, patience, and a keen sense of discernment.
Despite searching for a reliable and trustworthy partner for years, Sarah still hasn't found "Mr. Right." It seems like a good man is hard to come by these days.

This idiom means that it's not easy to find someone who possesses the qualities of a good man, such as honesty, kindness, and morality. Sarah's experience highlights the difficulty of finding someone who meets these criteria.
After working in the company for over a decade, John was finally promoted to a leadership position. His set of skills, work ethic, and integrity made him stand out as a rare find in the corporate world.

This example shows that in a competitive and cut-throat environment where people are often judged by their success and wealth, leaders who prioritize morality and honor over greed and selfishness are hard to come by. John's promotion is a testament to the fact that good men still exist in the workplace.
In a world where dishonesty and corruption seem to be prevalent, it's reassuring to know that there are still men out there who are committed to upholding truth and justice. We need more of these upstanding citizens to restore faith in humanity.

This example reflects the societal context in which we live today where scandals and wrongdoings have become alarmingly common. The idiom serves as a reminder that despite such challenges, good men still exist, and their presence is crucial to maintaining the fabric of a just and fair society.
Jack has been a devoted husband and father, and his family is the center of his universe. His love and commitment to his wife and children are a true blessing in a world that is increasingly breaking down the institution of family.

This example highlights the importance of family values in today's society, where family ties are often weakened by modernity and technological advancements. The idiom suggests that finding men who prioritize their families over other pursuits is a rare and precious thing. Jack's devotion to his family is a testament to the fact that good men still exist, whose priorities lie where they rightfully should.
She has been searching for a trustworthy and reliable partner for years, but a good man seems to be hard to find in this fast-paced and superficial world.

This example illustrates the use of the idiom "a good man is hard to find" in the context of finding a suitable partner. The speaker is indicating that despite her efforts, she has not been able to locate a man who possesses the desired qualities of honesty, dependability, and integrity. The phrase "in this fast-paced and superficial world" implies that the current societal norms and practices may be hindering her quest for a virtuous companion. This expression also brings to the forefront the idea that individuals who exhibit excellent moral character and principles are not commonplace and are therefore challenging to come across.
John's unerring loyalty and steadfastness have earned him the reputation of being a rare and hard-to-find gem in a world filled with deceit and treachery.

In this instance, the speaker is highlighting the exceptional qualities and traits of the person being discussed, John. The phrase "a rare and hard-to-find gem" denotes that John is a unique and exceptional individual, and he possesses attributes that make him stand out in a society that is oftentimes marked by duplicity and falsehood. This idiom jogs the listener's or reader's memory of the original phrase, "a good man is hard to find," while simultaneously emphasizing John's extraordinary qualities.
The music industry is a notoriously challenging and cut-throat industry to navigate, but Jill has managed to carve out a niche for herself, thanks in no small part to her exceptional talent, hard work, and unwavering goodness.

Here, the speaker is using the idiom "a good man is hard to find" in a non-traditional context, that is, the music industry. The speaker is suggesting that Jill, although a woman, is an extremely rare and exceptional individual who has risen above the challenges and obstacles that are inherent in the industry to create a space for herself. This expression highlights the notion that goodness, integrity, and hard work are not commonplace in the cut-throat and competitive environments and industries that people often encounter.

Conclusion

The idiom "a good man is hard to find" is commonly used to express the difficulty in finding a person with good character or meeting certain standards. It can be used in various contexts, but it ultimately conveys the idea that finding someone who is kind, honest, and reliable is not an easy task.

Origin of "A good man is hard to find"

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to a 20th-century American short story written by Flannery O'Connor. The story, also titled "A Good Man is Hard to Find," follows a family's encounter with a serial killer while on a road trip. The grandmother in the story repeatedly says the idiom, emphasizing the difficulty in finding a good man, which ultimately foreshadows the tragic ending of the story.

The idiom has since become a popular phrase, often used in everyday conversation to express the challenges of finding someone with good qualities. It has also been used in various literary works and songs, further solidifying its place in the English language. While its origin may be linked to its use in the short story, the idiom has taken on a broader meaning and is now used to describe the difficulty in finding any person, regardless of gender, with desirable characteristics.