jaw

Definition

  • noun: either one of the two bones of the face where teeth grow
  • noun: either of two complex cartilaginous or bony structures in most vertebrates that border the mouth, support the soft parts enclosing it, usually bear teeth on their oral margin, and are an upper that is more or less firmly fused with the skull and a lower that is hinged, movable, and articulated with the temporal bone of either side
  • verb: to talk in an angry way or for a very long time
  • verb: to talk especially abusively, indignantly, or long-windedly
  • often used figuratively
  • synonyms: scold, clamor, mouth

Examples

  • The team was able to snatch victory from 'the jaws of defeat' [=the team won] by scoring in the final seconds of the game.

  • He barely escaped from 'the jaws of death'. [=he barely escaped death]

  • The crocodile tried to grab him in its 'jaws'. [='mouth']

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Then business will have to suffer. Do me a favour. No more advice on how to patch things up. Just help me win. I found out about Captain McCluskey, who broke Mike's jaw. He's definitely on Sollozzo's payroll, and for big money. McCluskey has agreed to be The Turk's bodyguard. (..)
    1972 The Godfather
  • (..) take advantage of her. She resisted, she kept her honour. So they beat her like an animal. When I went to the hospital, her nose was broken, her jaw was shattered, held together by wire. She couldn't even weep because of the pain. But I wept. Why did I weep? She was the light of my life. (..)
    1972 The Godfather