like pulling teeth
idiom
—used to say that something is very difficult and frustrating
Getting him to make a decision is like pulling teeth.
Examples of like pulling teeth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
By understanding these innovations, dental practices and other organizations alike can work toward creating a smoother, less stressful journey—so that scheduling a dentist appointment no longer feels like pulling teeth.
—
Frank Fawzi, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Once upon a not-so-distant time, getting Yanks to watch soccer was like pulling teeth—although admittedly the networks that first experimented with international football were out of their element.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 June 2024
Before then, Aveni recalled, getting Buckley to say anything positive about her voice was like pulling teeth.
—Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2024
To use it, just clip it onto the edge of the can, maneuver the extra large turn knob, and the wheel effortlessly glides along the can’s outer rim for a seamless puncturing, unlike so many can openers that can feel like pulling teeth or driving down a bumpy road).
—Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2024
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Frank Fawzi, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Once upon a not-so-distant time, getting Yanks to watch soccer was like pulling teeth—although admittedly the networks that first experimented with international football were out of their element.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 June 2024
Before then, Aveni recalled, getting Buckley to say anything positive about her voice was like pulling teeth.
—Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2024
To use it, just clip it onto the edge of the can, maneuver the extra large turn knob, and the wheel effortlessly glides along the can’s outer rim for a seamless puncturing, unlike so many can openers that can feel like pulling teeth or driving down a bumpy road).
—Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Like pulling teeth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/like%20pulling%20teeth. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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