The Tooth of the Matter
By Celia Burns on 25th March 2025
Teeth have long been a symbol of strength, and survival — essential for eating, defending oneself, and even communicating – so it’s no surprise that they’ve found their way into many common idioms! From “getting your teeth into something” to “biting off more than you can chew,” these expressions are deeply rooted in history and culture. Let’s take a closer look at some popular tooth-related idioms, their meanings, and where they came from.
Bite the Bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage.
Origin: This phrase comes from the battlefield. Before modern anesthesia, wounded soldiers were often given a bullet to bite on during surgery to help them endure the pain. The idea was that the act of biting down would prevent them from crying out or going into shock — a brutal but practical way to cope with pain.
Grit Your Teeth
Meaning: To endure something difficult with determination.
Origin: The act of clenching or grinding your teeth is a natural reaction to stress or discomfort. The phrase dates back to the early 19th century and is often linked to the idea of physically tensing up to get through pain or hardship.
To Cut Your Teeth On Something
Meaning: To get experience in something, especially in a professional context.
Origin: This saying comes from the literal act of a baby’s teeth emerging through their gums, which can be described as “cutting” through. Early usage dates all the way back to the 1600s!
Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
Meaning: To take on more responsibility or a bigger task than you can handle.
Origin: This idiom is believed to have originated in 19th-century America when people would chew tobacco. Sometimes, they would bite off too large a piece, making it difficult to chew or speak. The phrase became a metaphor for overcommitting or taking on more than one can manage.
By the Skin of Your Teeth
Meaning: To barely succeed or narrowly escape a difficult situation.
Origin: This phrase comes from the Bible — specifically, Job 19:20, which reads: “I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.” Since teeth don’t have skin, the phrase emphasises the idea of a narrow escape or a close call.
Get Your Teeth Into Something
Meaning: To become deeply involved or engaged in a task.
Origin: The idea of “sinking your teeth into something” comes from the physical act of biting down hard to hold or control something — much like a dog with a bone. It suggests putting in effort and fully committing to a task.
Long in the Tooth
Meaning: To be old or aging.
Origin: This expression comes from horse trading. A horse’s age can be estimated by the length of its teeth — as horses grow older, their gums recede, making the teeth appear longer. If someone is “long in the tooth,” it’s a playful way of saying they’re getting older.
Kick in the Teeth
Meaning: A harsh setback or disappointment.
Origin: The idea of being kicked in the teeth symbolises both physical and emotional pain. It reflects the harshness and unexpected nature of certain setbacks in life.
Next time you’re “gritting your teeth” through a tough situation or feeling “long in the tooth,” you’ll know exactly where those phrases came from — and why they’ve stood the test of time! 🦷😊
