A good man is hard to find

Meaning

The idiom "a good man is hard to find" means that it is difficult to find someone who is honest, reliable, and kind-hearted. It suggests that such qualities are rare and valuable in a person. The phrase can be used to express disappointment or frustration when encountering people who lack these qualities.

Usage

• After being cheated on, she realized that finding a "good man" is harder than it seems.
• He was known for always having his friends' backs and being a good man in a world of bad ones.
• With so many fake news outlets, it's hard to find a reliable source these days.
• The company's values align with those of a true gentleman, making it an attractive option for women.
• Finding someone who is genuinely interested in your well-being is harder than it seems, but it's worth the effort.

Roots and History

The idiom "a good man is hard to find" has its roots in medieval literature. One of the earliest known uses of this phrase is found in Geoffrey Chaucer's poem "The Knight's Tale," where he writes, "A true knight never erroneously hath strayed." This suggests that finding someone who is honest and reliable can be challenging, even in a world of chivalry. Over time, the phrase evolved to include qualities such as kindness and generosity, which are often associated with goodness. Today, it is commonly used to express frustration or disappointment when encountering people who lack these qualities.

Synonyms in English

• A reliable person
• A trustworthy source
• A genuine person
• A good-hearted person
• A dependable friend

Synonyms in other languages

• En bon homme (French) - This phrase translates to "a good man" and is used to describe someone who is honest, reliable, and kind-hearted.

• Arge kuin het mannenhuis is (Dutch) - This phrase translates to "hard to find a good house," and is used to express frustration when encountering people who lack kindness or generosity.

• 人善良者不自然的 (Chinese) - This phrase translates to "good people are not natural" and is used to describe the rarity of finding genuinely good people in today's world.

• בדוקים עשותה (Hebrew) - This phrase translates to "righteous actions" and is used to describe someone who is honest, reliable, and kind-hearted.

• Chivalrous man (English) - While not an idiom, this phrase refers to a person who embodies the values of chivalry, such as honor, bravery, and loyalty, which are often associated with goodness.

Similar Idioms

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• on the mend

• know which side one’s bread is buttered