“Long in the tooth” is an idiomatic expression in English which means someone or something is old or aging. This phrase can be very useful in the IELTS exam, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections, where using idiomatic expressions can help you achieve a higher score for lexical resource.
Synonyms and Antonyms of “Long in the Tooth”
Before diving into the usage of “long in the tooth,” let’s explore some synonyms and antonyms which will further enhance your vocabulary.
Synonyms:
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Elderly (ˈɛldərli) – adjective
- Meaning: (of a person) old or aging.
- Example: The elderly man needed help crossing the street.
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Aged (eɪdʒd) – adjective
- Meaning: Having lived a long time; very old.
- Example: The aged professor was respected for his wisdom.
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Ancient (ˈeɪnʃənt) – adjective
- Meaning: Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence.
- Example: The ancient ruins attracted many tourists.
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Decrepit (dɪˈkrɛpɪt) – adjective
- Meaning: Worn out or ruined because of age or neglect.
- Example: The decrepit house was in dire need of repairs.
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Senile (ˈsiːnaɪl) – adjective
- Meaning: Showing the weaknesses or diseases of old age, especially a loss of mental faculties.
- Example: The doctor prescribed medication for the senile patient.
Antonyms:
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Youthful (ˈjuːθfʊl) – adjective
- Meaning: Young or seeming young.
- Example: Despite his age, he remained youthful at heart.
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Young (jʌŋ) – adjective
- Meaning: Having lived for only a short time; not old.
- Example: The young athlete ran swiftly across the field.
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Juvenile (ˈdʒuːvəˌnaɪl) – adjective
- Meaning: For or relating to young people.
- Example: The juvenile offenders were taken to a separate facility.
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Teenage (ˈtiːnˌeɪdʒ) – adjective
- Meaning: Aged between 13 and 19 years old.
- Example: The teenage group was very energetic.
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New (njuː) – adjective
- Meaning: Not existing before; made, introduced, or discovered recently.
- Example: The store featured a range of new electronic devices.
Understanding “Long in the Tooth”
Meaning and Pronunciation
“Long in the tooth” is an idiom that comes from the practice of gauging the age of a horse by the length of its teeth. Over time, as horses grow older, their teeth continue to grow and become longer. Thus, this phrase metaphorically refers to someone or something that is old or getting old.
- Pronunciation: lɒŋ ɪn ðə tuːθ
Long in the Tooth Horse
Examples of Use
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Informal Conversation:
- “Don’t you think that car is getting a bit long in the tooth?”
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Formal Writing:
- “The company’s policies, while effective initially, now seem somewhat long in the tooth and need revision.”
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Academic Writing:
- “The ancient manuscript looked long in the tooth, showing signs of deterioration over the centuries.”
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IELTS Speaking:
- Examiner: “Can you describe an old building in your city?”
- Candidate: “Yes, the old clock tower is quite long in the tooth, with historians estimating it to be over 200 years old.”
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IELTS Writing:
- “It has often been argued that the education system in many countries is becoming long in the tooth and requires significant reforms to adapt to the modern world.”
Relevance in IELTS
Commonality in IELTS Exams
The idiom “long in the tooth” can appear in several contexts within the IELTS exam, particularly in Writing Task 2 and in the Speaking part of the test. It can help you demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, thereby improving your lexical resource score.
Practical Examples:
Writing Task 2:
Topic: “Some people think technological advancements are making us live in a better world. Others believe technology is causing more problems than it solves. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
Example: “While technological advancements have brought numerous benefits, some of these innovations are now becoming long in the tooth and require updating to meet current needs.”
Speaking Part 2:
Cue card: “Describe an old tradition in your country. You should say what it is, how it is practiced, and whether it is still important today.”
Example in Speech: “An old tradition in my country that might be considered long in the tooth is the annual harvest festival. Despite its age, it still remains an integral part of our cultural heritage.”
Collocations with “Long in the Tooth”
Understanding how “long in the tooth” can collocate with other words will also sharpen your application of this idiom.
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Get long in the tooth:
- “The building is starting to get long in the tooth and may need renovation soon.”
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Seem long in the tooth:
- “Some of the company’s outdated policies are beginning to seem long in the tooth.”
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Grow long in the tooth:
- “As people grow older, they might begin to feel or even grow long in the tooth.”
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Sound long in the tooth:
- “His ideas on business, though once revolutionary, now sound long in the tooth.”
Related Idioms
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Over the hill – Past one’s prime.
- “Many people assume that athletes are over the hill once they reach their thirties.”
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Past one’s prime – No longer as good as one once was.
- “The actor, once a big star, is now considered past his prime.”
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Getting up there in years – Aging, often used affectionately.
- “My grandmother is really getting up there in years, but she’s still sharp as a tack.”
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No spring chicken – Not young anymore.
- “He’s no spring chicken, but he can still run faster than many younger guys.”
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Second childhood – The period in old age when one becomes childlike again.
- “My grandfather is in his second childhood, enjoying cartoon shows and games.”
Conclusion
The idiom “long in the tooth” is useful and versatile, particularly for IELTS candidates aiming to showcase a rich vocabulary. By understanding and applying this idiom effectively, you can enhance both your spoken and written English, making a strong impression on the examiners. Practice using the phrase and its synonyms and antonyms in different contexts to ensure you are well-prepared.
Happy learning, and may your vocabulary grow neither old nor long in the tooth!
