# grit one's teeth

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/grit-ones-teeth
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To face up to a difficult or disagreeable situation and deal with it.

## Examples

- I have to grit my teeth and finish this boring report.
- She had to grit her teeth and listen to his complaints for an hour during the meeting.
- He had to grit his teeth and endure the harsh criticism from his supervisor, knowing that losing his temper would only jeopardize his career prospects.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.