In the teeth of definitions
| Word backwards | ni eht hteet fo |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | preposition |
| Syllabic division | in theeth of Yes, I know "the tooth" is considered one syllable but I chose to pronounce it with two because it's easier to understand and more commonly said that way. |
| Plural | The plural form of "in the teeth of" is "in the teeth of". |
| Total letters | 12 |
| Vogais (3) | i,e,o |
| Consonants (4) | n,t,h,f |
When someone is said to be "in the teeth of" a situation, it means that they are right in the middle of facing a difficult challenge or experiencing a tough situation. This phrase is often used to describe being confronted with a problem that requires bravery, resilience, and determination to overcome.
Origin of the Phrase
The phrase "in the teeth of" has its roots in naval terminology, where "in the teeth" referred to sailing directly into the wind. This was a challenging and risky maneuver that required skill and courage. Over time, the phrase evolved to be used more broadly to describe facing any difficult or challenging situation head-on.
Usage in Everyday Language
Today, "in the teeth of" is often used in a figurative sense to describe being confronted with a particularly challenging or intense situation. It can be used to emphasize the severity of the circumstances or the courage required to navigate them. For example, someone might say they are "in the teeth of a fierce storm" to convey the idea that they are dealing with a very difficult and demanding situation.
Being "in the teeth of" a situation suggests that one is not just passively experiencing a challenge, but actively facing it head-on. It implies a sense of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, emphasizing the need to confront challenges directly rather than shying away from them.
Overall, the phrase "in the teeth of" conveys the idea of being right in the thick of a difficult situation, facing it directly and with courage. It captures the essence of resilience and strength in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of meeting challenges head-on in order to overcome them.
In the teeth of Examples
- Despite the rain, he stood in the teeth of the storm.
- She continued to smile in the teeth of adversity.
- The team fought on in the teeth of defeat.
- In the teeth of criticism, he remained steadfast in his beliefs.
- The company succeeded in the teeth of fierce competition.
- He stood tall in the teeth of danger.
- In the teeth of uncertainty, she made a bold decision.
- They pushed forward in the teeth of doubt.
- Despite the challenges, he persevered in the teeth of uncertainty.
- She sang her heart out in the teeth of stage fright.