Idiom
Armed to the teeth
If someone is armed to the teeth, they are carrying a lot of weapons. Figuratively, it means fully prepared or equipped.
How people use it
The literal meaning describes heavily armed soldiers or guards, and it often appears in news and history writing. In everyday speech, people use it humorously for being fully prepared with any kind of gear or information: "We went to the meeting armed to the teeth with facts." It suggests more than enough of whatever is needed. The tone is informal to neutral.
Examples
- The hikers set off armed to the teeth with bug spray, sunscreen and snacks.
- Priya walked into the debate armed to the teeth with statistics.
- My little brother came to the water balloon fight armed to the teeth.
Where it comes from
It was in common use in English by the mid-1800s, describing someone carrying so many weapons there was hardly room for more. A popular story says it comes from pirates who held knives in their teeth, but there is no evidence for that. It is more likely just a vivid way of saying fully, from head to toe.
Check yourself
1. In everyday speech, what does armed to the teeth often mean?
Answer: Fully prepared or equipped. Figuratively, armed to the teeth means having plenty of what you need.
2. Which sentence uses the idiom figuratively?
Answer: Grace showed up to the exam armed to the teeth with pens and notes.. Being loaded with supplies for an exam is the figurative, everyday use.
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