give (one's) eyeteeth to (do something)

give (one's) eyeteeth to (do something)

To go to any length or relinquish anything of value in order to be able to do something. Almost always used after the modal verb "would." Oh, I would give my eyeteeth to be able to write like you! She said she'd give her eyeteeth to meet the singer in person.

See also: eyetooth, give, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

would give your eye teeth

BRITISH, INFORMAL

If you would give your eye teeth for something or to do something, you would love to have or do that thing. He's the most exciting man I've ever worked with, and I'd give my eye teeth to do something with him again. I'd give my eye teeth for an opportunity to join that company. Note: A person's eye teeth are their canine teeth, the pointed teeth near the front of their mouth.

See also: eye, give, teeth

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