gnashing of teeth

gnashing of teeth

A very vocal display of anger, irritation, contempt, or complaint. After the initial gnashing of teeth, most people just came to accept the new policy. There was much gnashing of teeth over the decision to replace the show's star with another actor.
See also: gnash, of, teeth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

gnashing of teeth

Fig. a show of anger or dismay. (Biblical: "weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.") After a little gnashing of teeth and a few threats, the boss calmed down and became almost reasonable.
See also: gnash, of, teeth
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

gnashing of teeth

or

wailing and gnashing of teeth

People say that there is gnashing of teeth or wailing and gnashing of teeth when people become very worried or upset by something that has happened. In the City, the government's proposal is causing much gnashing of teeth. Despite the wailing and gnashing of teeth from Social Democratic left-wingers, this does look like a first step in the right direction. Note: You can also say weeping and gnashing of teeth. There was much weeping and gnashing of teeth when the Office for National Statistics counted a million fewer people than expected. Note: This expression is often used disapprovingly to show that you think people's reactions are too strong. Note: The phrases `weeping and gnashing of teeth' and `wailing and gnashing of teeth' both appear several times in the Bible in descriptions of the people who are sent to hell.
See also: gnash, of, teeth
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • wail
  • gnash
  • gnash (one's) teeth
  • gnash one's teeth
  • gnash teeth
  • gnash your teeth
  • press (someone's) buttons
  • push (one's) buttons
  • push somebody's buttons
  • push someone's buttons
References in classic literature
Nevertheless, he began to grow impatient with Coppenole's behavior, and suddenly turned towards him with so formidable a gnashing of teeth, that the Flemish giant recoiled, like a bull-dog before a cat.
Notre Dame de Paris
He will feel the want of these necessaries when it is too late, when he is arrived at that place where there is wailing and gnashing of teeth. It is then he will find in what mighty stead that heathen goddess, that virtue, which you and all other deists of the age adore, will stand him.
The History of Tom Jones a Foundling
Instantly there was wailing and gnashing of teeth in the camp.
So we all rode down to Magdala, while the gnashing of teeth waxed and waned by turns, and harsh words troubled the holy calm of Galilee.
The Innocents Abroad
They danced to the popular Revolution song, keeping a ferocious time that was like a gnashing of teeth in unison.
Tale Of Two Cities
This has caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth among those who believe the town should stick to the traditional green hue.
Kevan Furbank Column: SEEING RED OVER PAT'S DAY
France joined in, bringing down the wrath of the White House, where the wailing and gnashing of teeth is audible for miles around.
ROUTLEDGE on Nato's possible break-up
The result is a wailing and gnashing of teeth about Ken Wharfe's betrayal of Diana, his insensitivity to Princes William and Harry and questions about whether he should be allowed to claim his police pension.
Pippa Sibley's column: Comment on Ken Wharfe
We have seen a lot of weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth and the unprecedented investigation into the scandal will be worth waiting for.
Irish Mirror Comment: Church must restore faith
After much gnashing of teeth we've decided it's pure and simple - he should be with us.
Is she really going out with him?; Apparently, love is blind, even in the glam world of the celebs. P'raps there are just not enough beautiful people to go round
When Atherton's phantom dismissal was replayed on the giant TV screen, fans booed umpire John Hampshire's decision and you could almost hear the gnashing of teeth in the home dressing-room.
Cricket: The Ashes: 3rd Test, Trent Bridge: We've got the technology...so let's use it!
On Saturday they seemed to be the best away bet on the coupon to win at Tynecastle, so when the scoreline: Hearts 7, Dunfermline 1 was flashed around the country there must have been as much surprise outside Fife as there were equal measures of gnashing of teeth and sheer delight throughout the Kingdom.
IAIN CAMPBELL COLUMN: KEEP FAITH IN JIM
After a full year of whingeing, wailing and gnashing of teeth, where the hell were they?
PLAID SNUB DEBATE ON pounds 2bn BONUS: COMMENT
Whywe have expensive, pointless inquiries into Holyrood while that goes through without much gnashing of teeth beats me.
Joan Burnie: Building a real nation
SO finally after much wailing and gnashing of teeth the news has come ...
Letter: Talking Point: Is re-classifying cannabis a good move? FOR