in the teeth of

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العربية الفصحى
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/ɪn ðə tiːθ əv/
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Despite strong opposition or difficulty.
Practice using in the teeth of in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The reform passed in the teeth of resistance.
  • The road was built in the teeth of public opposition.
  • He kept working in the teeth of repeated setbacks.
  • They sailed in the teeth of the storm.
  • She spoke out in the teeth of fierce criticism.

Similar words

despite
in defiance of
against

Meanings

Against fierce resistance

opposition
formal
While facing a powerful obstacle that makes an action difficult but does not prevent it.

Examples

  • The road was built in the teeth of public opposition.
  • She spoke out in the teeth of fierce criticism.
  • They sailed in the teeth of the storm.
  • The reform passed in the teeth of resistance.
  • He kept working in the teeth of repeated setbacks.

Similar words

despite
in defiance of
against

Etymology

Teeth evoke a force that bites back. The phrase imagines moving directly into that force.

FAQ

What does in the teeth of mean?

In the teeth of means despite forceful opposition or difficulty.

When is in the teeth of used?

It can describe resistance, criticism, bad weather, or setbacks.

How does in the teeth of differ from despite?

Despite is neutral; in the teeth of makes the obstacle feel forceful.

How is in the teeth of used in a sentence?

The road was built in the teeth of public opposition.

Is in the teeth of formal?

It is an emphatic, somewhat formal idiom.

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