be long in the tooth
be long in the tooth
To be old. Animals' teeth, especially those of horses, are thought to be an indicator of age. As animals age, their gums recede, and their teeth look longer. Our poor cat is so long in the tooth that he struggles just walking around the house these days. She's a little long in the tooth to still be working—do you think she'll ever retire?
See also: long, tooth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- long in the tooth
- look (one's) age
- look your age
- the big (number)-o
- the big something-o
- at/to a ripe old age
- live to a ripe old age
- come of age
- of age
- ripe