pulling teeth


see like pulling teeth.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use pulling teeth in a sentence

  • Take care in your choice of a life partner, for one of your nature can get in easily, but it is like pulling teeth to get out.

  • It was like pulling teeth to get information out of him, but Jim applied the forceps.

    The Stolen Singer | Martha Idell Fletcher Bellinger
  • I'll have to ask you folks because it's like pulling teeth to get any news out of my husband.

  • I suppose he is now selling tinctures, pulling teeth, and driving away rheumatics.

  • Their instruments for pulling teeth were crude and caused the greatest of pain, often breaking the jaw.

    The Historical Child | Oscar Chrisman