baring one's teeth
Showing fangs threateningly
Baring one's teeth is exposing the teeth, typically as a sign of aggression or threat—the human equivalent of an animal's warning display.
A smile technically bares the teeth, but the phrase almost always implies hostility: The two rivals stood baring their teeth at each other.
It suggests readiness to fight rather than genuine friendliness.
- snarlHostile vocal threat
- lip curlSneering facial gesture
- growlLow threatening sound
- fangsSharp piercing teeth
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
challenge · incisors · molars · tooth and claw · defiance · sneer · menace · warning sign · candor · confrontation · power play · intimidate · show of force · jaw · vulnerability · revelation · predator · wolf pack
social stance
baring one's teethcowering
Shrinking in fear
backing down · submissive posture · bowing · looking away · cringing