Definition
咬牙切齿 is a four-character idiom (成语) that literally means 'gnash the teeth and grind the molars' — a vivid image of extreme anger or hatred. It's used to describe someone's intense emotional state, often when they feel furious about something or someone but may be suppressing the expression. You'll hear it in contexts of resentment, grievance, or deep frustration.
idiom
to gnash one's teeth in angerto be filled with hatred or fury
Examples
- ,咬牙切齿。Tīng dào zhège xiāoxi, tā qì de yǎo yá qiè chǐ.When he heard the news, he was so angry he gnashed his teeth.
- 咬牙切齿。Tā duì nàge piànzi hèn de yǎo yá qiè chǐ.She hated that swindler so much she ground her teeth.
- ,咬牙切齿,。Bǐsài shū le, duìyuán men gègè yǎo yá qiè chǐ, fāshì xià cì yào yíng huílái.After losing the match, every team member was gnashing their teeth and vowed to win next time.
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