show (one's) teeth

To display an angry, violent, and/or threatening reaction to or against something or someone, as does a dog or wolf when threatened. I will show my teeth to anyone who tries to take away my land. We seemed to be getting along just fine, but she suddenly showed her teeth when I brought up politics.

See also: show, teeth

show your teeth

If a person or organization shows their teeth, they show that they have the power or are able to fight or defend themselves. The financial services authority appears to be showing its teeth. We need to show our teeth if we are going to solve the problems we have been experiencing.

See also: show, teeth

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

show your teeth

reveal your strength; be aggressive. British

See also: show, teeth

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

show your ˈteeth

(British English) do something that shows that you are able to act aggressively and use your power in a situation if it is necessary: Up until now the police have been very patient with the strikers, but today they really showed their teeth.

See also: show, teeth

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

'Smile, show your teeth, bow and go' is NOT screening: it is a crass display of comic relief which is far below the Senate.'

Ministerial screening is pitiful joke ...Fani-Kayode blasts senate

"The idea that you probably won't smile, you probably won't show your teeth.

Pouts in front as grins are binned

Cork's Young Wonder are heading up a gig at The Workman's Club in Dublin tonight to launch their new EP Show Your Teeth and kick off a little tour of the country.

Quick One With Young Wonder

GIRLIE girls show your teeth with this lady bow spike stud bag, PS25 at Topshop.

Tell us about them studs; familylife

It's time for the Welsh dragon to breathe fire and flame - come on Welsh Government - show your teeth and make sure it comes to fruition.

Old condemned to more poverty; Yousay IN YOUR OPINION..

So come on Mr Cameron show your teeth, let's just find out precisely how you are going to control this sort of thing.

VENT YOUR SPLEEN

Mr Tony Carter told the tribunal how a female colleague once told him across a packed room, "Show your teeth so that we can see you."

Waiter quit after 'barrage of racism' at top hotel

So come on Mr Cameron, show your teeth, let's just find out precisely how you are going to control this sort of thing.

VENT YOUR SPLEEN

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