Phrase guide

pull teeth

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To extract teeth, usually because they are decayed or damaged.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: dentistry, medicine, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To do something that is especially difficult or effortful.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • You will probably have to pull teeth to get a straight answer from a car salesman.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: get blood out of a stone

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: se décarcasser — to do something especially difficult