How to Pronounce "give teeth to"
expression
ˈɡɪv/ /ˈtiθ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
GIV TEETH TOO, tuh, tih
ɡˈɪv/ /tˈiːθ/ /tˈuː
giv TEETH TOO
Definition
To make something (like a law, rule, or organization) stronger or able to be enforced, so it actually has real power or effect.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɡɪv/ /ˈtiθ/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
British English
ɡˈɪv/ /tˈiːθ/ /tˈuː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
GIV TEETH TOO, tuh, tih
UK
giv TEETH TOO
Listen in Context
The new regulations finally give teeth to what was once just a suggestion.
The government wants to give teeth to the new environmental law.
Adding penalties would give teeth to the company policies.
The treaty only works if it is given teeth.