a rare breed

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomapproving

   A person or thing that is unusual and therefore valuable or special.

   Grammar: Used with 'a': He's a rare breed. It can be plural: They are a rare breed.

   Patterns

   • be a rare breed
   • become a rare breed
   • someone is a rare breed

   Honest politicians are a rare breed these days.

   Teachers who really inspire their students are a rare breed.

   In a world of fast fashion, clothes that last for years are a rare breed.

2. 2phraseidiomapproving

   A type of animal that is uncommon and may be in danger of disappearing.

   Grammar: Used literally about animals; often in the plural: These birds are a rare breed.

   Patterns

   • be a rare breed
   • become a rare breed

   The Suffolk Punch horse is now a rare breed.

   These sheep are a rare breed, so farmers are trying to protect them.

Common combinations

a rare breed of

She's a rare breed of manager who listens to everyone.

become a rare breed

Skilled craftsmen have become a rare breed.

a rare breed indeed

A politician who keeps every promise is a rare breed indeed.

one of a rare breed

He is one of a rare breed of journalists who check every fact.

Synonyms and how they differ

one of a kind

This emphasizes being completely unique, while 'a rare breed' suggests being part of a small, special group.

rarity

This is a noun for something uncommon, but it does not carry the same positive, special feeling as 'a rare breed'.

endangered species

This is used literally for animals at risk of dying out, and informally for people or things that are disappearing; it is more negative.

Opposites

Word family

rare adjective

Not common; unusual.

breed noun

A type of animal, especially one developed by people.

breeding noun

The process of keeping animals to produce young.

Commonly confused: a rare breed or rare bread?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a rare breed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words