All Ears English Podcast

Episode: Learning English Is Not Like Pulling Teeth

Hosts: Lindsay McMahon & Michelle Kaplan
Date: January 3, 2026

Overview

In this lively episode, Lindsay and Michelle introduce the idiom "like pulling teeth," explaining its meaning, origins, and everyday usage in American English. They discuss similar expressions, share personal anecdotes, and demonstrate how these phrases build conversational connection—staying true to the show's motto: “Connection, not perfection.”

Key Points & Insights

1. Explanation of the Idiom "Like Pulling Teeth"

Definition:

• "Like pulling teeth" is used to describe something that is very difficult, unpleasant, or requires a lot of effort to accomplish.
• The phrase usually refers to situations where extracting information or compliance feels nearly impossible.

Michelle (03:00):

"So basically this means that something is very difficult to do. That’s what it means."

Discussion of Perspective:

• Michelle’s husband, a dentist, jokes that "pulling teeth" isn’t hard for him—raising the question of whose perspective the idiom reflects.
• Lindsay suggests it’s from the patient’s side:
  Lindsay (04:08):

  “In my mind it’s more from the perspective of the person whose teeth are being pulled.”

2. Everyday Situations Using the Expression

Common Contexts:

• Getting children to talk about their day
• Motivating bandmates to practice
• Finding gifts for friends

Lindsay (05:36):

“Trying to get my kids to tell me about their days is like pulling teeth.”

Michelle (06:13):

“When my son gets off the bus... he barely acknowledges that I exist... I don’t even bother asking him any questions—it just, I just kind of wait for things to come out naturally.”

Other Personal Examples:

• Chores can feel "like pulling teeth" even when self-motivated (Lindsay, 07:58)
• Michelle’s brother is hard to pin down for family planning (08:19-09:21)

3. Related Idioms and Phrases

To broaden the listener’s vocabulary, the hosts offer alternatives:

• “Like herding cats”
  Managing chaos or uncooperative people/things.
  Michelle (11:35):

  “Trying to get my kids out the door in the morning is like herding cats.”

• “A hard/tough nut to crack”
  Someone or a problem that is difficult to figure out.
  Michelle (11:55):

  “I want to know what’s going on in his head, but he’s a hard nut to crack.”

• “Getting nowhere fast”
  Not making progress despite effort.
  Lindsay (12:21):

  “I can tell this conversation is going nowhere fast.”

• “Really tough”
  The most direct, neutral way to express difficulty.

  Lindsay (13:02):

  “Sometimes we just want the most straightforward phrase... there’s nothing wrong with that. Connection is the goal.”

4. The Power of Idioms for Connection

Connection, Not Perfection:

• Using idioms or even basic phrases to express struggle can make conversations relatable and help learners make friends.

Michelle (10:06):

“Because you’re talking about your struggles. It’s good for relating to people... people can start to relate to you on things that are difficult for them.”

Lindsay (10:21):

“That is the recipe for building connection and friendships.”

5. Role-Play Demonstration

First Grade Teachers' Chat (13:28–14:07):

• Illustrates idioms in real-life conversation between coworkers
• Shows natural transitions between idiomatic, standard, and empathetic responses

Memorable Quotes:

• Michelle (13:48):

  “They’re so cute, but sometimes getting them to answer questions is like pulling teeth.”

• Lindsay (13:54):

  “Definitely. It can be really tough.”

6. Practical Language Tips

• Flexibility: Idioms are helpful but not necessary; sometimes simple expressions are the best for connection.
• Empathy: Empathize with others' struggles using both idioms and direct language.

Michelle (15:19):

“It might be a little overkill... good to have those more basic expressions just to insert when you need them.”

Lindsay (15:43):

“The goal is connection, not being fancy with our vocabulary.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On idiom’s relevance:
  Michelle (09:37):

  “We talk sometimes about, like, ‘Oh, raining cats and dogs.’ …that idiom is pretty outdated, I think. …but [‘like pulling teeth’] seems to kind of hold up.”

• Lindsay sharing honesty in her own gift shopping:
  Lindsay (07:12):

  “No, I’m really bad at that. And I also leave things to the last minute… and then I panic and then it just never turns out well.”

• Light moment about Michelle’s crocheted tooth decoration:
  Michelle (05:16):

  “Right in front of me…is on the windowsill, a giant crocheted tooth with eyes and a mouth… now I’m just looking at it like, ‘Hello,’ and it’s like, ‘Don’t pull me.’”

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:58 – Episode purpose; introducing the idiom “pulling teeth”
• 02:54 – Defining and discussing “like pulling teeth”
• 04:08 – Who is the idiom for: dentist or patient?
• 05:36 – Real-life example: Getting kids to talk
• 06:42 – Further examples: Bandmates practicing, gift shopping
• 07:58 – Self-motivation and chores as “pulling teeth”
• 09:37 – Discussion about whether the phrase is outdated
• 10:06 – Building connection using shared struggle
• 11:34 – Other idioms: “herding cats,” “hard nut to crack,” “getting nowhere fast”
• 13:28 – Role-play scenario with idioms in context
• 14:22 – Dissecting the role-play and realistic application
• 15:43 – Importance of balancing idioms and plain language

Takeaway

Learning idioms like “pulling teeth” allows English learners to express difficulty in a relatable way—fostering conversation and building bonds. The episode emphasizes that while idioms are useful, natural connection matters more than perfect vocabulary. Choose expressions that genuinely reflect your experience, and don't be afraid to mix fun idioms with honest, direct language.

Further Listening

• Check out “Avoid Mistakes with These English Adjectives” for more on practical usage and pitfalls (16:29).

Episode in a Nutshell:
This episode delivers an upbeat, practical guide to mastering "like pulling teeth" and similar expressions, blending storytelling, role-play, and cultural insight. It encourages listeners to prioritize making real connections—because, in English, connection really isn't like pulling teeth!