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pull teeth. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
pull teeth, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
pull teeth in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
pull teeth you have here. The definition of the word
pull teeth will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
pull teeth, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Verb
pull teeth (third-person singular simple present pulls teeth, present participle pulling teeth, simple past and past participle pulled teeth)
- (dentistry) To extract teeth, usually because they are decayed or damaged.
- (idiomatic, intransitive) To do something that is especially difficult or effortful.
- Synonym: get blood out of a stone
You will probably have to pull teeth to get a straight answer from a car salesman.
2022 October 7, Emma Goldberg, “The Job Market Has Been Like Musical Chairs. Will the Music Stop?”, in The New York Times:“We thought there would be a mad rush of students participating in these events, and it was like pulling teeth to get students to come out,” she recalled.
Usage notes
- Most often seen in the form "pulling teeth" or "like pulling teeth".
Translations
to do something especially difficult