mostrar los dientes
Lemma Details
Translation: to show one's teeth; to bare one's teeth; to show aggression; to stand up to someone
Part of Speech: idiom
Etymology: This Spanish idiom comes from the literal action of animals showing their teeth as a sign of aggression or warning. 'Mostrar' derives from Latin 'monstrare' (to show, point out), while 'dientes' comes from Latin 'dens/dentis' (tooth). The expression has evolved to metaphorically describe showing resistance or aggression in human interactions, similar to how animals bare their teeth when threatened.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Después de años de abusos, finalmente le mostró los dientes a su jefe.
After years of abuse, he finally stood up to his boss.
Si no les muestras los dientes, seguirán aprovechándose de ti.
If you don't show your teeth, they'll keep taking advantage of you.
El pequeño país mostró los dientes ante las amenazas de su vecino más poderoso.
The small country showed its teeth in the face of threats from its more powerful neighbor.
Mnemonics
- Picture a dog showing its teeth when threatened - humans metaphorically do the same when standing up for themselves.
- Think of a smile turning into a grimace with visible teeth when someone is challenging you.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to describe situations where someone demonstrates resistance or aggression, particularly when they've previously been passive. It's often used in contexts of standing up to authority or defending oneself against threats or intimidation.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'mostrar los dientes' and 'enseñar los dientes' can be used interchangeably in many contexts, 'enseñar' can sometimes have connotations of teaching or displaying, while 'mostrar' is more directly about showing or revealing.
Notes: In practice, these expressions are often used interchangeably in most Spanish-speaking regions.
Mnemonic: Think of 'mostrar' as more aggressive showing, while 'enseñar' can be both showing and teaching.
Explanation: While both expressions involve teeth, 'mostrar los dientes' implies aggression or confrontation, whereas 'sonreír de oreja a oreja' means 'to smile from ear to ear' and indicates happiness.
Confused word:
Al recibir la noticia, sonrió de oreja a oreja.
Upon receiving the news, he smiled from ear to ear.
Notes: The context usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.
Mnemonic: Think of animal teeth (aggression) versus human smile (happiness).