# show one's teeth

idiom

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

## Meaning

Alternative form of bare one's teeth.

## Examples

- The dog showed its teeth when I walked near the gate.
- The manager finally showed his teeth during the meeting and demanded that the team meet their deadlines.
- Although he usually maintained a polite demeanor, he showed his teeth when the board members questioned his integrity during the annual review.

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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.