A tooth is the hard bone-like structure inside the mouth that help us to chew and eat food. The plural of tooth is teeth.

tooth and teeth idioms list

Let’s look at some popular body idioms that contain the word ‘tooth’.

  • by the skin of one’s teeth
    meaning – by a very narrow margin
    example – I thought I was going to be late for my interview, but I got there by the skin of my teeth.
  • fight tooth and nail
    meaning – use all your effort/strength to fight
    example – I’m going to fight tooth and nail to get what I’m deserved in the divorce settlement.
  • fine-toothed comb
    meaning – thoroughly investigate/check
    example – Make sure you go through your assignment with a fine-toothed comb before submitting it.
  • get one’s teeth into something
    meaning – get involved in a project/job/task etc. with great determination and effort
    example – I really got my teeth into renovating the house. I can’t wait to do it again.
  • have a sweet tooth
    meaning – someone who loves eating sweet foods
    example – I had a sweet tooth when I was younger. Now, I prefer savoury foods.
  • kick in the teeth
    meaning – emphasising disappointment
    example – Losing 1-0 in the 92nd minute was a real kick in the teeth for County.
  • long in the tooth
    meaning – too old for something, getting old
    example – We are too long in the tooth for clubbing. You youngsters go and enjoy yourselves.

tooth and teeth idioms list with pictures

Here’s some real life picture examples.

idiomatic expressions with body parts - tooth
tooth/teeth expressions - by the skin of one’s teeth
tooth/teeth expressions - fine-toothed comb
tooth/teeth idioms - get one's teeth into
tooth/teeth idioms - have a sweet tooth
tooth/teeth idioms - kick in the teeth
fine-toothed comb - long in the tooth

You can download a table of ‘tooth and teeth’ idioms and expressions below.

If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more body idioms by clicking on the links below.