Grit your teeth
phrase
To endure a difficult situation with determination.
I know you're tired, but we're almost there. Just grit your teeth and keep going.
Often appears as...
- grit your teeth and bear it
- grit your teeth and carry on
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To clench your teeth together tightly, usually because of anger or pain.
I was so angry, all I could do was grit my teeth and say nothing.
Often appears as...
- grit your teeth in frustration
- grit your teeth in pain
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrase
To endure a difficult situation with determination.
I know you're tired, but we're almost there. Just grit your teeth and keep going.
Often appears as...
- grit your teeth and bear it
- grit your teeth and carry on
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To clench your teeth together tightly, usually because of anger or pain.
I was so angry, all I could do was grit my teeth and say nothing.
Often appears as...
- grit your teeth in frustration
- grit your teeth in pain
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Strength
Shows inner resolve despite a tough situation or discomfort, revealing a person's strength of character.
Even with a sprained ankle, he gritted his teeth and finished the hike.
Pro Tip 2/3Mental Fortitude
Indicates a person's mental toughness to overcome challenges without showing their struggle outwardly.
She gritted her teeth through the exam, not letting her anxiety show.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Depictions
Often seen in fictional heroes who demonstrate perseverance in movies or books, inspiring viewers or readers.
The movie character gritted his teeth as he faced the villain, a display of courage against adversity.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Strength
Shows inner resolve despite a tough situation or discomfort, revealing a person's strength of character.
Even with a sprained ankle, he gritted his teeth and finished the hike.
Pro Tip 2/3Mental Fortitude
Indicates a person's mental toughness to overcome challenges without showing their struggle outwardly.
She gritted her teeth through the exam, not letting her anxiety show.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Depictions
Often seen in fictional heroes who demonstrate perseverance in movies or books, inspiring viewers or readers.
The movie character gritted his teeth as he faced the villain, a display of courage against adversity.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Strength
Shows inner resolve despite a tough situation or discomfort, revealing a person's strength of character.
Even with a sprained ankle, he gritted his teeth and finished the hike.
Pro Tip 2/3Mental Fortitude
Indicates a person's mental toughness to overcome challenges without showing their struggle outwardly.
She gritted her teeth through the exam, not letting her anxiety show.
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Depictions
Often seen in fictional heroes who demonstrate perseverance in movies or books, inspiring viewers or readers.
The movie character gritted his teeth as he faced the villain, a display of courage against adversity.
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