PhrasesHub

Long in the tooth

    Definitions

      • old age
        To describe someone who is advanced in years, typically in a lighthearted or humorous way

      • experience
        To indicate that someone has been around for a long time and has a lot of wisdom or experience

    Examples of Long in the tooth

    • The old horse looked long in the tooth as it plodded along the trail.

      In this example, "long in the tooth" is used to describe the horse's age and weariness. It suggests that the horse is very old and its teeth have grown long due to its age. This phrase is commonly used to refer to something or someone that is old and worn out.

    • The seasoned detective looked long in the tooth as he interviewed the suspects.

      Here, "long in the tooth" is used to describe the detective's age and experience. It implies that he has been working as a detective for a long time and has gained a lot of experience over the years. This phrase is commonly used to describe someone who has been in a certain profession or field for a long time.

    • The old car looked long in the tooth as it rumbled down the street.

      In this example, "long in the tooth" is used to describe the car's age and condition. It implies that the car is very old and has seen better days. This phrase is commonly used to describe something that is old and no longer in good condition.

    • The politician looked long in the tooth as he gave his speech.

      Here, "long in the tooth" is used to describe the politician's age and experience as a politician. It suggests that he has been in politics for a long time and has gained a lot of experience over the years. This phrase is commonly used to describe someone who has been in politics for a long time.

    • The old horse at the stable had seen better days. Its coat was ragged, and its teeth were worn down to the gums. But what really gave away its age was the fact that its snaggly teeth seemed to protrude even further than usual, making it look almost comically old. As the vet examined the horse, she commented to the stablehand, "This old boy is really long in the tooth."

      The idiom "long in the tooth" refers to something or someone that is old, especially in a physical sense. In this example, the horse's teeth appear to be very long, which is a sign of its advanced age. The phrase "long in the tooth" can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is past their prime or no longer at the top of their game. For example, a politician who has been in office for many years might be described as "long in the tooth" if they seem out of touch or unable to adapt to changing circumstances. Overall, the idiom suggests that someone or something that is "long in the tooth" has seen better days and is no longer at the peak of its powers.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "long in the tooth" is used to describe someone who is old or has a lot of experience. It can be used in a lighthearted or humorous way to refer to someone's age, or to highlight their wisdom and experience. The phrase is often used in a casual or informal context to playfully acknowledge someone's advancing years or to recognize their valuable experience.

    Origin of "Long in the tooth"

    The origin of the idiom "long in the tooth" can be traced back to the practice of estimating a horse's age by examining its teeth. As horses age, their gums recede, making their teeth appear longer. This led to the belief that a horse with longer teeth was older. Over time, the expression "long in the tooth" became associated with old age, and it eventually evolved to be used in reference to people as well. Today, the idiom is commonly used to humorously acknowledge someone's age or experience. For example, if someone is teasing an older friend about their age, they might playfully say, "You're getting a bit long in the tooth, aren't you?" or if they're seeking advice from someone with a lot of experience, they might say, "You're long in the tooth, so I trust your opinion."