Like Pulling Teeth — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

Very hard and slow, taking far more effort than it should.

When getting an answer is like pulling teeth, the other person gives up very little at a time.

People say it when someone is slow, unwilling, or hard to work with.

Use it when…

When getting a simple answer or decision from someone takes an unreasonably long time
When trying to get a team member or client to provide information they are reluctant to share
When a process that should be straightforward turns out to require enormous effort

Don’t confuse with...

"An Uphill Battle"

—

A task that requires continuous effort against resistance, with progress being hard to sustain

"A Hard Nut to Crack"

—

A person or problem that is difficult to deal with or understand

"Like Pulling Teeth"

—

Something that is extremely difficult and frustrating due to reluctance or resistance

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Like Pulling Teeth" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

A colleague says getting the finance team to approve anything is like pulling teeth.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

A parent says getting her teenager to talk about his day is like pulling teeth.

Media & Everyday Life

Daily Situations

A friend says scheduling a meeting with five people across time zones is like pulling teeth.

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Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Like Pulling Teeth" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Raising Concerns

You

I've been trying to get the legal team's sign-off for two weeks — it's like pulling teeth.

Boss

I'll escalate it — that should not be taking this long for a routine approval.

Relationships

Talking to Friend

Friend

Did you ever get your roommate to pay back the money he owed?

You

Eventually, but it was like pulling teeth — three reminders over six weeks.

Everyday Conversations

Storytelling

Friend

How was getting the project brief out of them?

You

Like pulling teeth — every answer raised three more questions.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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