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3. in the teeth of

in the teeth of

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in the teeth of something

while experiencing something difficult The road was built in the teeth of fierce opposition from environmentalists.

See also: of, teeth

in the teeth of something

if something happens or is done in the teeth of difficulties, the difficulties cause problems but do not stop it The road was built in the teeth of fierce opposition from environmentalists.

See like pulling teeth, cut teeth, grit teeth, lie through teeth, show teeth

See also: of, teeth

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]

See also: of, teeth