IdiomBody & Senses
English
Englishgive one's eyeteeth for something
Meaning: To want something very badly.
Example: “I'd give my eyeteeth for a ticket to that concert.”
Origin: The eyeteeth are the canines, thought of as especially valuable. The phrase is common in American English from the 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Japanese: 喉から手が出る (Nodo kara te ga deru) Literally: A hand comes out of the throat
More English idioms
- a stroke of luck A sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune.
- like chalk and cheese Completely different, though perhaps similar at first glance.
- word gets around News and rumors spread quickly from person to person.
- shut the stable door after the horse has bolted To take precautions only after the harm is done.
- kick the cat To take out one's anger on someone weaker or innocent.
- be afraid of one's own shadow To be very timid and easily frightened.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Du bist ein Schatz You're a sweetheart.
- 目に入れても痛くない (Me ni irete mo itakunai) Said of someone you adore completely, often a child or grandchild.
- Bête comme ses pieds Really not very bright.
Keep exploring