WORTH EYETEETH Meaning and
Definition
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"Worth eyeteeth" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that is extremely valuable and highly prized. It conveys the notion that the item being referred to is considered to be of such great significance or importance that one would be willing to sacrifice one's own teeth or go to great lengths to acquire it. The phrase often implies that the item is so valuable that it is worth parting with something essential, like one's eyeteeth, which are crucial for vision and overall oral health.
The use of "worth eyeteeth" can be traced back to the belief that one's eyeteeth, also known as canines or cuspids, are particularly valuable. The teeth are prominently positioned in the mouth, and their loss can cause functional and aesthetic issues. Thus, offering one's eyeteeth in exchange for something signifies the utmost importance and desirability of that particular thing or experience.
The expression is commonly used colloquially to emphasize the extent to which someone highly values or desires a certain object or experience. For example, a car enthusiast might say, "I would give my eyeteeth for that vintage sports car." It portrays an extreme desire and willingness to sacrifice, emphasizing the immense worth or value of the desired item.
Common Misspellings for WORTH EYETEETH
- qorth eyeteeth
- aorth eyeteeth
- sorth eyeteeth
- eorth eyeteeth
- 3orth eyeteeth
- 2orth eyeteeth
- wirth eyeteeth
- wkrth eyeteeth
- wlrth eyeteeth
- wprth eyeteeth
- w0rth eyeteeth
- w9rth eyeteeth
- woeth eyeteeth
- wodth eyeteeth
- wofth eyeteeth
- wotth eyeteeth
- wo5th eyeteeth
- wo4th eyeteeth
- worrh eyeteeth
- worfh eyeteeth
Etymology of WORTH EYETEETH
The phrase "worth eyeteeth" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the extreme value or importance someone places on something. The etymology of this phrase can be understood by breaking it down into its components:
1. "Worth": This word comes from the Old English word "weorþ", meaning "value" or "price". It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word "werþaz" and the Proto-Indo-European word "wer-", both expressing the idea of "to become" or "to be of value".
2. "Eyeteeth": This term refers to the canine teeth located between the incisors and premolars in the upper and lower jaw. The "eyeteeth" are so named because they are located in a position suggested to be near the eye socket. The canine teeth have symbolic significance in various cultures and have traditionally been associated with strength and determination.
