Grit your teeth

Meaning

Endure discomfort with patience.

Usage

Used when pushing through temporary pain.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Literal action of clenching teeth during hardship.

Longstanding expression in English for stoic endurance.