Teeth help us eat, smile, and talk. In the USA, people also use teeth in everyday sayings. These sayings are called idioms. They don’t always mean what they sound like. For example, when someone says “by the skin of your teeth,” they don’t mean your teeth have skin. It means something almost didn’t happen.
Idioms about teeth are used in many parts of American life. You might hear them in school, at home, or on TV. They can show feelings like fear, strength, or trying hard. In this article, we’ll explore some popular idioms that include the word “teeth.” They’ll help you better understand how Americans use fun and interesting ways to talk.
Idioms About Teeth
1. By the skin of your teeth
Meaning: Barely succeed or escape
Example Sentence:
• I caught the bus by the skin of my teeth.
• He passed the test by the skin of his teeth.
Other ways to say: Just in time, barely made it
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the Bible and means escaping something by a very small amount.
Usage: Used when someone just manages to do something.
2. Kick in the teeth
Meaning: An unexpected disappointment or insult
Example Sentence:
• Losing the game after leading was a real kick in the teeth.
• It was a kick in the teeth when her idea got ignored.
Other ways to say: Big letdown, harsh blow
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase paints a picture of being hit when you’re already down.
Usage: Used when something unfair or upsetting happens.
3. Sink your teeth into
Meaning: To fully focus or enjoy doing something
Example Sentence:
• She sank her teeth into the new book right away.
• He sank his teeth into building the robot.
Other ways to say: Dive into, focus on
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom compares doing something with biting into food.
Usage: Used when someone puts effort and energy into a task.
4. Fight tooth and nail
Meaning: To fight very hard for something
Example Sentence:
• They fought tooth and nail to win the match.
• She fought tooth and nail to protect her idea.
Other ways to say: Give it your all, battle hard
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from early times when people used teeth and nails to defend themselves.
Usage: Used when someone puts up a strong fight.
5. Long in the tooth
Meaning: Getting old
Example Sentence:
• That car is getting long in the tooth.
• He’s a bit long in the tooth to be playing football.
Other ways to say: Getting older, aging
Fun Fact/Origin: This came from horses; as they age, their gums shrink and teeth look longer.
Usage: Used to describe something or someone aging.
6. Armed to the teeth
Meaning: Fully prepared or heavily equipped
Example Sentence:
• The campers were armed to the teeth with supplies.
• The game team was armed to the teeth with gear.
Other ways to say: Fully loaded, all set
Fun Fact/Origin: Pirates and soldiers were once said to carry weapons all the way to their teeth.
Usage: Used when someone has all they need for a task.
7. Cut your teeth on
Meaning: To get your first experience doing something
Example Sentence:
• He cut his teeth on small school plays.
• She cut her teeth fixing bikes with her uncle.
Other ways to say: Start out with, learn from
Fun Fact/Origin: Baby animals “cut teeth” when their first ones come in—just like people starting out.
Usage: Used when someone is just beginning to learn or do something new.
8. Show your teeth
Meaning: To act tough or defend yourself
Example Sentence:
• The team showed their teeth in the second half.
• She showed her teeth when her work was challenged.
Other ways to say: Stand strong, fight back
Fun Fact/Origin: Animals show their teeth when they feel threatened—this phrase comes from that.
Usage: Used when someone stands up or acts brave.
9. Lie through your teeth
Meaning: To tell a bold, clear lie
Example Sentence:
• He lied through his teeth about breaking the window.
• She lied through her teeth to avoid trouble.
Other ways to say: Tell a lie, make things up
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom shows that the lie is so strong, it even comes out with a straight face.
Usage: Used when someone tells a lie on purpose.
10. Grit your teeth
Meaning: To keep going even when it’s hard
Example Sentence:
• She gritted her teeth and finished the race.
• He gritted his teeth and kept working through the tough math homework.
Other ways to say: Push through, keep trying
Fun Fact/Origin: When people are in pain or stress, they often clench their teeth.
Usage: Used when someone keeps going through something hard.
11. As rare as hen’s teeth
Meaning: Very uncommon or hard to find
Example Sentence:
• Snow in southern Florida is as rare as hen’s teeth.
• Good seats at the concert were as rare as hen’s teeth.
Other ways to say: Super rare, hard to get
Fun Fact/Origin: Hens don’t have teeth, so the phrase means something that doesn’t happen.
Usage: Used when talking about something extremely uncommon.
12. Tooth and claw
Meaning: Fiercely or violently
Example Sentence:
• The two teams battled with tooth and claw.
• He went after the prize tooth and claw.
Other ways to say: With all your might, very aggressively
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from animals fighting with teeth and claws.
Usage: Used when someone does something with strong effort or force.
13. Give your eyeteeth for
Meaning: Want something very badly
Example Sentence:
• I’d give my eyeteeth to meet my favorite actor.
• She’d give her eyeteeth for a front-row seat.
Other ways to say: Really wish for, strongly want
Fun Fact/Origin: Eyeteeth are important teeth—offering them shows strong desire.
Usage: Used when someone would give up a lot for something they want.
14. As tough as nails (or teeth)
Meaning: Very strong or not easily hurt
Example Sentence:
• Grandpa is as tough as nails.
• That firefighter is as tough as teeth.
Other ways to say: Very strong, hard to beat
Fun Fact/Origin: Teeth are strong, and so is this saying.
Usage: Used when talking about strong people.
15. Sweet tooth
Meaning: A strong liking for sweets
Example Sentence:
• She has a sweet tooth and eats candy every day.
• He always saves room for dessert because of his sweet tooth.
Other ways to say: Loves sugar, dessert lover
Fun Fact/Origin: Teeth hurt from sweets, so this fun phrase stuck.
Usage: Used to describe someone who loves sugary foods.
16. Straight from the horse’s teeth
Meaning: From a reliable source (variation of “mouth”)
Example Sentence:
• I got the news straight from the horse’s teeth.
• She told me herself—straight from the horse’s teeth.
Other ways to say: First-hand, direct source
Fun Fact/Origin: Checking a horse’s teeth shows its age and health—used to confirm truth.
Usage: Used when information comes straight from the person involved.
17. Chatter teeth
Meaning: Shake from cold or fear
Example Sentence:
• His teeth chattered in the freezing wind.
• She was so scared, her teeth started to chatter.
Other ways to say: Tremble, shiver
Fun Fact/Origin: When scared or cold, jaw muscles make teeth tap—this sound became a saying.
Usage: Used when someone is very cold or frightened.
18. Pull teeth
Meaning: Something very hard to do
Example Sentence:
• Getting him to clean his room is like pulling teeth.
• It was like pulling teeth to get her to speak in class.
Other ways to say: Really difficult, not easy
Fun Fact/Origin: Pulling teeth used to be painful—this idiom is about hard tasks.
Usage: Used when something is frustrating or takes effort.
19. Grin and bear it
Meaning: Smile and accept something tough
Example Sentence:
• She had to grin and bear it during the long wait.
• He didn’t like the dentist but grinned and bore it.
Other ways to say: Put up with it, stay strong
Fun Fact/Origin: Smiling while something hurts is the root of this saying.
Usage: Used when someone has to deal with something unpleasant.
20. Show your fangs
Meaning: Act mean or dangerous
Example Sentence:
• He showed his fangs when someone made fun of his sister.
• She showed her fangs during the debate.
Other ways to say: Get mean, act tough
Fun Fact/Origin: Fangs are sharp teeth in animals—used when showing anger.
Usage: Used when someone becomes aggressive or defends strongly.
21. Smile from ear to ear
Meaning: A big, happy smile
Example Sentence:
• She smiled from ear to ear after winning.
• He was smiling from ear to ear at the surprise party.
Other ways to say: Beaming, very happy
Fun Fact/Origin: A wide smile can stretch across the face—hence this saying.
Usage: Used to show someone is very happy.
22. Clench your teeth
Meaning: Tighten teeth to stay calm
Example Sentence:
• He clenched his teeth to avoid shouting.
• She clenched her teeth and waited quietly.
Other ways to say: Hold back, stay calm
Fun Fact/Origin: People often clench teeth when they’re mad or in pain.
Usage: Used when someone holds in emotions.
23. Like pulling hen’s teeth
Meaning: Impossible or nearly so
Example Sentence:
• Getting them to agree was like pulling hen’s teeth.
• Fixing that old car was like pulling hen’s teeth.
Other ways to say: Nearly impossible, very hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Hens don’t have teeth—this adds humor to the phrase.
Usage: Used to describe something almost impossible.
24. Bite your tongue (or teeth)
Meaning: Stop yourself from speaking
Example Sentence:
• I wanted to speak, but I bit my tongue.
• He bit his teeth instead of saying something mean.
Other ways to say: Stay quiet, hold it in
Fun Fact/Origin: Biting your tongue keeps words in—literally or not.
Usage: Used when someone holds back from talking.
25. Bare your teeth
Meaning: Show anger
Example Sentence:
• The dog bared its teeth at the stranger.
• He bared his teeth during the fight.
Other ways to say: Get mad, show rage
Fun Fact/Origin: Animals show teeth when ready to fight.
Usage: Used when someone shows they are angry or serious.
26. Sink your baby teeth into
Meaning: Start learning something new
Example Sentence:
• The kids sank their baby teeth into learning to read.
• She sank her baby teeth into drawing.
Other ways to say: Start out, try for the first time
Fun Fact/Origin: Baby teeth are the first step—like first learning.
Usage: Used when someone is just beginning to learn.
27. Bite off more than you can chew
Meaning: Take on more than you can handle
Example Sentence:
• I bit off more than I could chew by joining two clubs.
• He bit off more than he could chew with that hard project.
Other ways to say: Took on too much, overloaded
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from chewing more food than your mouth can hold.
Usage: Used when someone has too much to do.
28. As clean as a dentist’s tools
Meaning: Very clean
Example Sentence:
• The kitchen was as clean as a dentist’s tools.
• His room was as clean as a dentist’s tools.
Other ways to say: Super clean, spotless
Fun Fact/Origin: Dentists’ tools must be extra clean—this idiom uses that image.
Usage: Used to describe something very clean.
29. Have something stuck in your teeth
Meaning: A small but annoying problem
Example Sentence:
• That mistake is like having spinach stuck in your teeth.
• It feels like this problem is stuck in my teeth—it won’t go away.
Other ways to say: Nagging problem, small trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Annoying but small issues feel like food stuck in teeth.
Usage: Used when something small still causes discomfort.
30. As white as teeth in a toothpaste ad
Meaning: Very white
Example Sentence:
• Her dress was as white as teeth in a toothpaste ad.
• The snow was as white as teeth in a commercial.
Other ways to say: Bright white, pure
Fun Fact/Origin: Ads often show very white teeth—used here as a comparison.
Usage: Used when something is bright or clean.
31. Chew someone out
Meaning: To scold someone harshly
Example Sentence:
• The coach chewed him out for being late.
• Mom chewed me out for not doing my homework.
Other ways to say: Yell at, tell off
Fun Fact/Origin: This comes from the military and means someone “eating” another with words.
Usage: Used when someone is being strongly corrected.
32. Bite down on something
Meaning: To accept pain or deal with something tough
Example Sentence:
• He bit down on the pain and finished the race.
• She bit down on her fear and spoke in front of the class.
Other ways to say: Push through, deal with it
Fun Fact/Origin: Soldiers once bit bullets during surgery—this shows strength.
Usage: Used when someone goes through pain or hard times bravely.
33. Take a bite out of something
Meaning: To reduce or lessen
Example Sentence:
• Gas prices took a bite out of our vacation money.
• The big lunch took a bite out of his hunger.
Other ways to say: Cut into, reduce
Fun Fact/Origin: Like taking a bite from food, this means removing a piece.
Usage: Used when something takes away part of something else.
34. As bright as a shiny tooth
Meaning: Very shiny or noticeable
Example Sentence:
• Her new shoes were as bright as a shiny tooth.
• That smile was as bright as a shiny tooth under a light.
Other ways to say: Gleaming, sparkly
Fun Fact/Origin: Clean teeth reflect light—this idiom uses that glow.
Usage: Used to describe something glowing or eye-catching.
35. Get your teeth into something hard
Meaning: Begin working on a big challenge
Example Sentence:
• He finally got his teeth into that science project.
• She was ready to get her teeth into a tough puzzle.
Other ways to say: Start a challenge, tackle something big
Fun Fact/Origin: Like chewing tough food, this idiom means starting something hard.
Usage: Used when beginning a big or tricky task.
36. Bite back your words
Meaning: To stop yourself from saying something
Example Sentence:
• She bit back her words during the argument.
• I wanted to yell, but I bit back my words.
Other ways to say: Hold your tongue, stay quiet
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of “eating” your own words before they come out.
Usage: Used when someone chooses not to speak.
37. Like teeth in a zipper
Meaning: Perfectly lined up
Example Sentence:
• The bricks were laid like teeth in a zipper.
• The players stood like teeth in a zipper during the anthem.
Other ways to say: Neatly arranged, well-organized
Fun Fact/Origin: Zippers have teeth that fit tightly—this idiom describes order.
Usage: Used when something is lined up just right.
38. Show your pearly whites
Meaning: Smile
Example Sentence:
• Come on, show your pearly whites for the photo!
• She showed her pearly whites when she saw the gift.
Other ways to say: Smile big, flash a smile
Fun Fact/Origin: “Pearly whites” is a fun way to say clean white teeth.
Usage: Used when asking or describing someone smiling.
39. Be all gums and no teeth
Meaning: Weak or not serious
Example Sentence:
• That warning was all gums and no teeth.
• His threats were all gums and no teeth.
Other ways to say: Weak, not scary
Fun Fact/Origin: Gums without teeth can’t bite—this means harmless.
Usage: Used when someone talks big but won’t act.
40. Toothless smile
Meaning: A smile missing teeth, or a weak smile
Example Sentence:
• The baby gave a toothless smile.
• He gave a toothless smile after the dentist visit.
Other ways to say: Soft smile, gentle grin
Fun Fact/Origin: Babies and old folks often smile without teeth—cute or funny.
Usage: Used to describe smiles with missing teeth or a soft grin.
41. Like pulling baby teeth
Meaning: Tricky but not painful
Example Sentence:
• Getting her to dance was like pulling baby teeth—hard but cute.
• That tiny task was like pulling baby teeth.
Other ways to say: Slightly tricky, small effort
Fun Fact/Origin: Baby teeth fall out easily—this idiom shows something not too hard.
Usage: Used for tasks that are slightly tough but manageable.
42. As fake as plastic teeth
Meaning: Not real or honest
Example Sentence:
• That smile was as fake as plastic teeth.
• His apology felt as fake as plastic teeth.
Other ways to say: Phony, not real
Fun Fact/Origin: Plastic teeth are used in costumes—everyone knows they aren’t real.
Usage: Used when someone is pretending or not being sincere.
43. Like a loose tooth
Meaning: Something that’s ready to fall apart
Example Sentence:
• That old swing is like a loose tooth—it could fall anytime.
• The chair wobbled like a loose tooth.
Other ways to say: Unstable, shaky
Fun Fact/Origin: Loose teeth wiggle before they fall—this idiom uses that image.
Usage: Used to describe things that don’t feel sturdy.
44. Toothpick thin
Meaning: Very skinny
Example Sentence:
• He was toothpick thin after the flu.
• Those sticks were toothpick thin.
Other ways to say: Skinny, narrow
Fun Fact/Origin: A toothpick is very thin—this idiom shows size clearly.
Usage: Used to describe very thin people or objects.
45. Crack your teeth on something
Meaning: Face a big challenge or difficulty
Example Sentence:
• He cracked his teeth on that math test.
• She cracked her teeth trying to skate uphill.
Other ways to say: Struggle, work hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Teeth can break under stress—this shows a tough challenge.
Usage: Used when someone struggles through a hard task.
46. Talk through your teeth
Meaning: Speak while lying
Example Sentence:
• He talked through his teeth when he said he did his homework.
• She’s talking through her teeth about that excuse.
Other ways to say: Lie, not tell the truth
Fun Fact/Origin: People who lie may clench their jaw—this idiom comes from that.
Usage: Used when someone is clearly not telling the truth.
47. Teeth chattering cold
Meaning: Very cold
Example Sentence:
• It was teeth-chattering cold in the tent.
• That winter morning was teeth-chattering cold.
Other ways to say: Freezing, icy
Fun Fact/Origin: When it’s freezing, teeth shake from the chill.
Usage: Used to describe super cold weather or feeling.
48. Flash your teeth
Meaning: Smile or act confidently
Example Sentence:
• She flashed her teeth at the camera.
• He flashed his teeth before the race started.
Other ways to say: Smile, show confidence
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the bold look of a confident grin.
Usage: Used to describe someone showing courage or charm.
Quiz: Idioms About Teeth
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. Pick A, B, or C. These idioms are all related to teeth and how Americans use them in everyday language.
Question Key
1. What does “by the skin of your teeth” mean?
A) You brushed your teeth
B) You almost didn’t make it
C) You lost a tooth
2. If someone has a “sweet tooth,” what do they love?
A) Candy and desserts
B) Brushing their teeth
C) Going to the dentist
3. What does it mean to “fight tooth and nail”?
A) Use your nails to scratch
B) Try really hard to win
C) File your nails and teeth
4. If you “grit your teeth,” what are you doing?
A) Chewing gum
B) Showing your teeth to friends
C) Pushing through something hard
5. What does “sink your teeth into” something mean?
A) Eat it quickly
B) Get deeply involved or focus
C) Smile while eating
6. What does “long in the tooth” mean?
A) You need braces
B) You are very young
C) You are getting older
7. If you “lie through your teeth,” what are you doing?
A) Telling the truth
B) Telling a big lie
C) Brushing your teeth
8. What does it mean to be “armed to the teeth”?
A) You’re wearing braces
B) You’re very well prepared
C) You’re ready for bed
9. What does “bare your teeth” mean?
A) Open your mouth at the dentist
B) Smile kindly
C) Show you’re angry or ready to fight
10. If someone is “chewing you out,” what are they doing?
A) Eating dinner with you
B) Praising you
C) Yelling at you for something wrong
11. What does “kick in the teeth” mean?
A) A fun surprise
B) A big disappointment
C) A new tooth
12. If something is “like pulling teeth,” how does it feel?
A) Very easy
B) Very hard or frustrating
C) Very relaxing
13. What does “bite off more than you can chew” mean?
A) Eat too fast
B) Take on too much to handle
C) Chew with your mouth open
14. What does “bite your tongue” mean?
A) Speak quickly
B) Stop yourself from talking
C) Hurt your mouth
15. What does “show your pearly whites” mean?
A) Open your mouth wide
B) Clean your teeth
C) Smile
16. What does “get your teeth into something” mean?
A) Brush your teeth
B) Start a big task
C) Lose a tooth
17. What does “talk through your teeth” mean?
A) Talk while chewing
B) Say something untrue
C) Whisper in someone’s ear
Answer Key
- B – You almost didn’t make it
- A – Candy and desserts
- B – Try really hard to win
- C – Pushing through something hard
- B – Get deeply involved or focus
- C – You are getting older
- B – Telling a big lie
- B – You’re very well prepared
- C – Show you’re angry or ready to fight
- C – Yelling at you for something wrong
- B – A big disappointment
- B – Very hard or frustrating
- B – Take on too much to handle
- B – Stop yourself from talking
- C – Smile
- B – Start a big task
- B – Say something untrue
Wrapping Up
Idioms about teeth are more than just fun phrases. They help people in the USA express ideas clearly. Whether someone is talking about trying hard, telling the truth, or staying quiet, these idioms make it easy to understand. Now you know 48 useful ones—and how to use them!
These phrases will help you sound more natural and understand what others are saying. Keep listening for them in American conversations, shows, and books.
