Teeth Idioms and What They Mean
Teeth idioms are used to talk about effort, truth, age, and learning. These expressions use teeth to show strength or experience in fun ways. Here are 8 useful teeth idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
By the skin of your teeth
Just barely; only by a small amount.
I passed the test by the skin of my teeth.
He caught the bus by the skin of his teeth.
Fight tooth and nail
To fight very hard for something.
They fought tooth and nail to win the game.
She fought tooth and nail for her rights.
Get your teeth into something
To start working on something with energy and focus.
I can’t wait to get my teeth into this new project.
He loves to get his teeth into a good book.
Long in the tooth
Old or getting older (often said in a light or joking way).
He’s a bit long in the tooth for that job.
My car is long in the tooth, but it still runs well.
Kick in the teeth
A big disappointment or something unfair.
Losing my job was a real kick in the teeth.
It was a kick in the teeth when they said no after the interview.
Armed to the teeth
Very well prepared or heavily equipped.
The soldiers were armed to the teeth.
She came armed to the teeth with facts for the debate.
Lie through your teeth
To tell a big or obvious lie.
He was lying through his teeth—I could tell.
Don’t lie through your teeth. Just tell the truth.
Cut your teeth on something
To get your first experience doing something.
She cut her teeth on small jobs before becoming a manager.
I cut my teeth on stage acting in school plays.
