凤毛麟角 fèngmáo-línjiǎo literally as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns
literally as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns (idiom); figuratively few and far between
How to remember 凤毛麟角: 凤 male phoenix + 毛 hair + 麟 qilin + 角 horn = literally as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns.
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How it is used
- An idiom: 'phoenix feathers and unicorn horns' - extremely rare and precious things or people: 这样的人才是凤毛麟角 (talent like this is exceedingly rare).
- A high-register, admiring way to say 'few and far between'; implies something rare because it's outstanding, not just uncommon.