in the teeth of (something)
1. In spite of; notwithstanding. Some people still believe vaccinations to be harmful in the teeth of thousands of scientific studies proving otherwise. In the teeth of the boss's disapproval, we decided to go forward with the project anyway. I can't believe you would do something so dangerous in the teeth of our warnings.
2. When threatened by or confronted with. It's hard to be an optimist in the teeth of so much tragedy and turmoil in the news each day. The plane turned into the teeth of a horrible storm. How do you respond in the teeth of adversity? Do you get back up and keep fighting?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in the teeth of
1. Straight into, confronting, as in The ship was headed in the teeth of the gale. [Late 1200s]
2. In opposition to or defiance of, as in
She stuck to her position in the teeth of criticism by the board members. [Late 1700s] Also see
fly in the face of.
3. Facing danger or threats, as in The tribe was in the teeth of starvation. [Early 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in the teeth of
1 directly against (the wind). 2 in spite of or contrary to (opposition or difficulty). 2 2001 Fast Company Magazine All of these solid performances occurred in the teeth of a global economic slowdown.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017