As fine as frog's hair

Definitions

• something very rare or uncommon
  To describe something that is extremely rare or uncommon, using the imagery of a frog having hair, which is something that is not commonly seen in nature.

• extremely thin or fine
  To describe something as being very thin or fine in texture or appearance, often used in a humorous or exaggerated way.

• being in excellent condition
  To describe something as being in perfect or excellent condition, usually used in a joking or sarcastic manner.

Examples of As fine as frog's hair

• The dress she wore to the ball was as fine as frog's hair.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is so fine or delicate that it is almost imperceptible. In this example, the dress is being compared to something as fine as the hair of a frog, which is often seen as a ridiculous and exaggerated comparison, highlighting how incredibly fine the dress is.

• The silk fabric was as fine as frog's hair, so delicate that it could be easily torn.

  Here, the idiom is used to describe the texture of the silk fabric, which is so fine that it is almost impossible to perceive the individual strands of fibre. The comparison to the hair of a frog highlights the delicacy and fragility of the fabric, which is so fine that it could easily be torn.

• The painting was as fine as frog's hair, but it was so old that it had started to peel and flake.

  In this example, the idiom is used to describe the quality of the painting, which is so fine that it is almost impossible to perceive the individual brushstrokes. However, the painting is also old and has started to deteriorate, with the paint peeling and flaking off the canvas.

• The music was as fine as frog's hair, but it was so soft that it was barely audible.

  Here, the idiom is used to describe the quality of the music, which is so fine and delicate that it is almost imperceptible. The comparison to the hair of a frog highlights the delicacy and fineness of the music, which is so soft that it is barely audible.

• The perfume was as fine as frog's hair, but it was so expensive that she could only afford a few drops.

  In this example, the idiom is used to describe the quality of the perfume, which is so fine and delicate that it is almost imperceptible. However, the perfume is also incredibly expensive, making it a luxury item that is difficult to afford. The comparison to the hair of a frog highlights the delicacy and fineness of the perfume, as well as its high cost.

Conclusion

The idiom "as fine as frog's hair" is used to describe something that is rare, thin, or in excellent condition. It is often used in a humorous or exaggerated way.

Origin of "As fine as frog's hair"

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the Southern United States in the 19th century. The phrase "as rare as a frog's hair" is also used in some regions, which may have influenced the use of "fine" in this idiom.

The comparison to a frog's hair is likely meant to emphasize the rarity of something, as frogs do not typically have hair. This adds an element of humor or exaggeration to the phrase. The use of "fine" in this idiom may also stem from the meaning of being of high quality or value, further emphasizing the rarity or uniqueness of the thing being described.

While the exact origin of this idiom is unknown, it has been used in various forms for over a century and remains a popular phrase in colloquial English. It is often used in casual conversation or in a lighthearted manner to add emphasis or humor to a statement.