grit one's teeth
Brace for pain
To grit one's teeth is to clench the jaw tightly, pressing upper and lower teeth together.
The literal action accompanies physical strain or pain—bracing against a blow or enduring discomfort.
Figuratively, it means to steel oneself for something unpleasant: She gritted her teeth and finished the report.
The phrase suggests determination mixed with displeasure.
Squeeze tightly shut
- jawBone holding teeth
- tenseStrained or nervous
- braceDevice providing structural stability
- winceReflexive recoil from distress
grimace · bite down · strain · tighten · muscle tension · stress response · bruxism · clenched fists
Large furry omnivore
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- endureSuffer through without yielding
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
- toleratePermit without approval
suffer · weather · brave · outlast · survive · soldier on · push through · hang in there
Firmness of purpose
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
- fortitudeEnduring courage under pain
steadfastness · commitment · backbone · mettle · pluck · guts · nerve · spunk
clench
Squeeze tightly shut
wince · grimace · bite down · strain · tighten · muscle tension · stress response · bruxism · clenched fists
bear
Large furry omnivore
- withstandRemain intact despite pressure
- endureSuffer through without yielding
- persevereContinue despite obstacles
tolerate · suffer · weather · brave · outlast · survive · soldier on · push through · hang in there · tough it out
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- willpowerMental strength resisting impulse
fortitude · steadfastness · commitment · backbone · mettle · pluck · guts · nerve · spunk · doggedness
grit one's teethgive up
Stop attempting something
throw in the towel · surrender · quit · capitulate · cave in
grit one's teethlet it all out
Express suppressed emotions freely
break down · vent · fall apart · have a meltdown · wear one's heart on one's sleeve
grit, grits, gritty, grittiness, grittier, grittiest, tooth, teeth, toothed