in the teeth of
in the teeth of (something)
1. In spite of; notwithstanding. Some people still believe vaccinations to be harmful in the teeth of thousands of scientific studies proving otherwise. In the teeth of the boss's disapproval, we decided to go forward with the project anyway.
2. When threatened by or confronted with. It's hard to be an optimist in the teeth of so much tragedy and turmoil in the news each day. The plane turned into the teeth of a horrible storm.
See also: of, teeth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
in the teeth of
1 directly against (the wind). 2 in spite of or contrary to (opposition or difficulty). 2 2001 Fast Company Magazine All of these solid performances occurred in the teeth of a global economic slowdown.
See also: of, teeth
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- in the teeth of (something)
- in the teeth of danger, opposition, etc.
- in the face of
- in the face of (something)
- in the face of something
- for all that
- dodge
- dodge a bullet
- do (someone) a bad turn
- have too much of a good thing