Long in the Tooth Idiom: Meaning, Synonyms, Quiz

Long in the tooth idiom is used to describe someone older or ageing, often humorously or ironically. Over time, this phrase has been extended to refer to people who are past their prime or no longer youthful. For instance, one might say, “He’s a little long in the tooth to be hitting those steep slopes,” implying that the person is too old to engage in such a physically demanding sport. By exploring its meaning, synonyms, antonyms and more we can gain a better grasp of how to use “long in the tooth” appropriately in conversation or writing. Exploring such expressions can improve one’s knowledge and richness of the English language.

Long in the Tooth Idiom: Meaning & Usage in Sentence

The idiom “long in the tooth” signifies that someone is getting old often implying that they may be too old for a particular activity or role. Moreover, The expression derives from the observation that a horse’s teeth grow longer as it ages, making the phrase a humorous way to refer to ageing in people.

Usage in Sentences

1. As he approached retirement age, he felt he was getting a bit long in the tooth for the demanding job of a firefighter.
2. While she still enjoys hiking, she admits that she might be long in the tooth to tackle the more challenging trails like she used to.

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Synonyms of Long in the Tooth

The idiom “long in the tooth” is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is old or ageing. In the table below, some similar words for this idiom are mentioned:

Unyoung	Older
Long-lived	Over-the-hill
Adult	Senior
Senescent	Of a certain age
Geriatric	Aged
Aging	Ageing
Ancient	Elderly
Old	Grown-up
Grown-up	Mature
Venerable	Septuagenarian
Octogenarian	Centenarian

Antonyms of Long in the Tooth

Understanding these antonyms can help you to know more about age and experience, especially in contexts where age-related features are suitable: 

Long in the Tooth Example Sentences

In everyday language, it is used to highlight an item, the age of a person, or even an idea that may no longer be relevant. Here are a few example sentences using the idiom “long in the tooth”:

1. After all these years, I think this old computer is getting a bit long in the tooth and needs to be replaced.

2. She loves to dance, but at 65, she feels she might be long in the tooth for the club scene.

3. The actor is still popular, but he’s becoming **long in the tooth** for action roles

4. This model of smartphone is long in the tooth, so I’m considering upgrading to a newer version.

5. The team’s strategy seems long in the tooth, and they need to innovate to stay competitive.

6. Although he’s long in the tooth, his wisdom and experience make him a valuable mentor.

7. The car has served us well, but it’s starting to feel long in the tooth after a decade of use.

8. The book series was entertaining, but by the last instalment, it felt long in the tooth and repetitive.

9. He’s a great musician, but at 70, he’s starting to seem a bit long in the tooth for touring.

10. While the restaurant has a loyal customer base, its menu is becoming long in the tooth and needs refreshing.

Long in the Tooth Quiz

Instruction: Pick the appropriate answer for each question:

1. What does the idiom “long in the tooth” mean?
   a) Tall and thin
   b) Too old to do something
   c) Hungry
   d) Intelligent
   

Answer: b) Too old to do something

2. Where does the idiom originate from?
   a) Horse racing
   b) Dentistry
   c) Equine dentition
   d) Aging studies
   

Answer: c) Equine dentition

3. Which of these is a synonym for “long in the tooth”?
   a) Youthful
   b) Energetic
   c) Elderly
   d) Vibrant
   

Answer: c) Elderly

4. Which of these would NOT be considered “long in the tooth”?
   a) A 90-year-old person
   b) A 30-year-old athlete
   c) A 50-year-old politician
   d) A 70-year-old professor
   

Answer: b) A 30-year-old athlete

5. The idiom is used to describe someone who is:
   a) Too young
   b) Too old
   c) Too tall
   d) Too short
   

Answer: b) Too old

6. Which of these is an example of using “long in the tooth” correctly?
   a) “She’s a little long in the tooth to be wearing that outfit.”
   b) “He’s long in the tooth for this job.”
   c) “They’re getting a bit long in the tooth, don’t you think?”
   d) All of the above
   

Answer: d) All of the above

7. The idiom is often used in a:
   a) Serious manner
   b) Humorous manner
   c) Sarcastic manner
   d) Formal manner
   

Answer: b) Humorous manner

8. Which of these would NOT be considered “long in the tooth”?
   a) A 100-year-old building
   b) A 20-year-old computer
   c) A 10-year-old smartphone
   d) A 50-year-old car
   

Answer: c) A 10-year-old smartphone

9. The idiom suggests that someone is:
   a) Past their prime
   b) In their prime
   c) About to retire
   d) Just starting out
   

Answer: a) Past their prime

10. Which of these is NOT a synonym for “long in the tooth”?
    a) Aged
    b) Elderly
    c) Youthful
    d) Over the hill
    

Answer: c) Youthful

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