1. ‘Tooth and Nail’
This idiom means to fight fiercely or with great determination. For example, ‘I had to argue tooth and nail to get the insurance company to cover the dental procedure.’
2. ‘Long in the Tooth’
When someone is ‘long in the tooth,’ it means they are getting old. This phrase originated from the fact that as horses age, their teeth continue to grow, making them appear ‘long in the tooth.’
3. ‘Grin and Bear It’
To ‘grin and bear it’ means to endure a difficult or unpleasant situation with a smile. For instance, ‘Even though the patient was in pain, they tried to grin and bear it during the dental procedure.’
4. ‘By the Skin of Your Teeth’
This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone narrowly avoids failure or disaster. It originates from the idea that teeth have very little skin or margin for error. For example, ‘I finished the exam by the skin of my teeth.’
5. ‘Toothless’
When something is ‘toothless,’ it means it lacks strength or effectiveness. This idiom can be used to describe a weak argument or a law without any real power. For instance, ‘The new regulations are toothless and won’t solve the problem.’
6. ‘Tooth Fairy’
The ‘Tooth Fairy’ is a popular character in children’s folklore. It is said that when a child loses a tooth, they can place it under their pillow, and the Tooth Fairy will replace it with money or a small gift while they sleep.
7. ‘Tooth and Comb’
This idiom means to examine something or someone very carefully and thoroughly. For example, ‘The dentist went through the patient’s dental records tooth and comb to find any potential issues.’
8. ‘Toothsome’
When something is described as ‘toothsome,’ it means it is delicious or appetizing. This term is often used to describe food. For instance, ‘The bakery is known for its toothsome pastries.’
9. ‘Tooth in It’
If something has a ‘tooth in it,’ it means it has a sharp or biting quality. This idiom can be used to describe a comment or criticism that is particularly harsh. For example, ‘Her words had a real tooth in them.’
10. ‘Tooth for a Tooth’
This idiom is a variation of the phrase ‘an eye for an eye.’ It means that if someone has done something wrong, they should receive a punishment or consequence that is equal in severity. For instance, ‘The court ruled a tooth for a tooth in the case.’