Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
like-pulling-teeth
idiom
/laɪk ˈpʊlɪŋ tiːθ/
Definition
An idiomatic expression used to describe something that is extremely difficult or unpleasant to do.
Examples
- Getting him to finish his homework was like pulling teeth.
- Asking her to cooperate was like pulling teeth; she simply wouldn’t agree.
- The interview process felt like pulling teeth due to the number of questions asked.
Meaning
The phrase suggests that the task at hand is as hard and uncomfortable as extracting teeth, which is usually considered painful.
Synonyms
- extremely difficult
- hard to manage
- unpleasant task
