Like Pulling Teeth

Etymology:

• It is a recent phrase. Who would like to have his teeth pulled? As it is very painful and hard thing to endure. Just imagine, you have to go to dentist and ask him to pull your teeth, the pain would really be unbearable. Even it is very difficult for a dentist to pull someone’s teeth, the patient might show resistance and could clamp his mouth close, and he might hide his face and do anything to bolt. Correspondingly, to do something that is really hard and difficult or to make someone do something against his will is like “pulling his teeth”.