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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Dictionary Entries Near like pulling teeth

Cite this Entry

“Like pulling teeth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/like%20pulling%20teeth. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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