What is what does it mean to be long in the tooth?

Being "long in the tooth" is an idiom that means old or aging. It's a somewhat humorous or euphemistic way to refer to someone's age, often implying they are past their prime or experienced.

The phrase comes from observing horses. As a horse ages, its gums recede, making its teeth appear longer. Therefore, "long in the tooth" became a visual indicator of an animal's advanced age.

Here are some relevant concepts related to this idiom:

  • <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Idioms">Idioms</a>: Understanding that "long in the tooth" is an idiom is crucial, as its literal meaning doesn't align with its figurative meaning.

  • <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Aging">Aging</a>: The core meaning relates to the process of growing old and the associated changes.

  • <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Euphemisms">Euphemisms</a>: It's often used as a gentler way to talk about someone's age, avoiding more direct or potentially negative terms.

  • <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Figurative%20Language">Figurative Language</a>: Being long in the tooth is a usage of figurative language.