Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
show-your-teeth
idiom
/ʃoʊ jʊər tiːθ/
Definition
To display one’s teeth, often in a context of expressing aggression or assertiveness.
Examples
- During negotiations, you have to be prepared to show your teeth if the other side isn’t being reasonable.
- In the wild, a lion will often show its teeth as a warning to other animals.
Meaning
The phrase typically suggests revealing one’s capability to be fierce or confrontational, metaphorically indicating a show of strength or readiness to defend oneself.
Synonyms
- bare one’s fangs
- display aggression
- assert oneself
