to clench one's teeth
1grit one's teeth — clench one s teeth, especially when faced with something unpleasant. ↘resolve to do something difficult. → grit …
2set one's teeth — clench one s teeth together. ↘become resolute. → set …
3set one's teeth — To clench the teeth, as in strong resolution • • • Main Entry: ↑set * * * clench one s teeth together ■ become resolute they have set their teeth against a change which would undermine their prospects of forming a government …
4clench — transitive verb Etymology: Middle English, from Old English clencan; akin to Old English clingan to cling Date: 13th century 1. clinch 2 2. to hold fast ; clutch < clenched the arms of the chair > 3. t …
5grit one's teeth — verb a) To clench ones teeth together tightly because of pain or anger or frustration. Theres a storm coming, so I grit my teeth and start rowing with all my might. b) To face up to a difficult or disagreeable …
6clench — ► VERB 1) (with reference to one s fist or teeth) close or press together tightly, in response to stress or anger. 2) (with reference to a set of muscles) contract sharply. 3) grasp tightly. ► NOUN ▪ the action of clenching or the state of being… …
7teeth — I (Roget s IV) n. Syn. dentition, fangs, tusks; see tooth 1 . II (Roget s 3 Superthesaurus) n. molars, bicuspids, incisors, canines, *grinders, fangs, *pearly whites. WORD FIND • adolescence, last molars that erupt: wisdom teeth • baby or… …
8clench — verb 1》 (with reference to one s fist or teeth) close or press together tightly, in response to stress or anger. 2》 hold tightly and firmly. 3》 (of muscles or a muscular part of the body) contract sharply. noun the action of clenching or the… …
9set — set1 verb (sets, setting; past and past participle set) 1》 put, lay, or stand (something) in a specified place or position. ↘(be set) be situated in a specified place or position. ↘represent (a story) as happening at a specified time or… …
10grit — noun 1》 small loose particles of stone or sand. 2》 (also gritstone) a coarse sandstone. 3》 courage and determination. verb (grits, gritting, gritted) 1》 spread grit on (an icy road). 2》 move with or make a grating sound. Phrases grit one s teeth… …
