Pull teeth Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To literally remove teeth, or more commonly, to describe something that is extremely difficult, unpleasant, or requires great effort, like getting someone to do something.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly informal and idiomatic when not literal; often used as 'like pulling teeth' to describe negotiations, conversations, or persuading people. Avoid using in formal writing except if discussing dentistry.

• Spanish: sacar dientes - ser extremadamente difícil (expresión)
• Portuguese (BR): arrancar dentes - ser extremamente difícil (expressão)
• Portuguese (PT): arrancar dentes - ser extremamente difícil (expressão)
• Chinese (Simplified): 拔牙 - 非常困难的事（比喻用法）
• Chinese (Traditional): 拔牙 - 非常困難的事（比喻用法）
• Hindi: दांत निकालना - बहुत मुश्किल होना (मुहावरा)
• Arabic: خلع الأسنان - أمر شديد الصعوبة (تعبير مجازي)
• Bengali: দাঁত তোলা - খুব কঠিন কিছু (প্রবাদ)
• Russian: вырывать зубы - что-то крайне трудное (идиома)
• Japanese: 歯を抜く - とても大変なこと（比喩）
• Vietnamese: nhổ răng - cực kỳ khó (thành ngữ)
• Korean: 이를 뽑다 - 너무 힘든 일 (관용구)
• Turkish: diş çekmek - son derece zor bir iş (deyim)
• Urdu: دانت نکالنا - انتہائی مشکل کام (محاورہ)
• Indonesian: mencabut gigi - sesuatu yang sangat sulit (idiom)

Example Sentences

The dentist will pull teeth if they are too damaged.

basic

Getting my brother to clean his room is like pulling teeth.

basic

It shouldn't be pulling teeth to get everyone to participate.

basic

Trying to get a straight answer from him was like pulling teeth.

natural

Convincing my kids to eat vegetables is always pulling teeth.

natural

Getting the whole team to agree on one idea was basically pulling teeth.

natural