like pulling teeth
Meaning
Extremely difficult, slow, or unpleasant to get something done or to get someone to talk/cooperate.
Origin
Based on the idea that having a tooth pulled is painful and unpleasant; by the mid-20th century it was used metaphorically for any process that is painfully difficult or slow, often about getting answers.
Notes
Colloquial and often frustrated. Implies someone is uncooperative or the process is painfully slow. Common in complaints; can sound harsh, so use carefully in formal settings.
Examples
-
Getting him to answer a simple question was like pulling teeth.
-
It’s like pulling teeth trying to schedule a meeting with that team.
-
Getting my kids to do their homework without complaining is like pulling teeth.
-
Trying to get the customer service rep to explain the charges was like pulling teeth.
-
Every time I ask for an update, it’s like pulling teeth to get a straight answer.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a simile: “It’s like pulling teeth” or “Getting/trying to get X to do Y is like pulling teeth.” “Pulling teeth” is typically plural and fixed; tense changes happen in the main verb, not the idiom.
Synonyms
- an uphill battle
- like herding cats
- like squeezing blood from a stone
Antonyms
- a breeze
- easy as pie
- plain sailing