show teeth

Related to show teeth: pay a visit, run an errand, so much for

show (one's) teeth

To display an angry, violent, and/or threatening reaction to or against something or someone, as does a dog or wolf when threatened. I will show my teeth to anyone who tries to take away my land. We seemed to be getting along just fine, but she suddenly showed her teeth when I brought up politics.
See also: show, teeth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

show one's teeth

 and bare one's teeth
Fig. to act in an angry or threatening manner. (Alludes to what an angry wolf or dog does.) We thought Bob was meek and mild, but he really showed his teeth when Jack insulted his girlfriend. The enemy forces didn't expect the country they invaded to bare its teeth.
See also: show, teeth
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • bare (one's) teeth
  • bare one's teeth
  • bare your teeth
  • bite on
  • bite on (something or someone)
  • bite on someone
  • pull or teeth
  • drop (one's) teeth
  • drop one’s teeth
  • drop teeth