1.
fang; tusk; canine tooth (of an animal)
The long, sharp teeth of a predatory animal (fangs) or the protruding teeth of animals like elephants or wild boars (tusks). Also used figuratively to describe something threatening or aggressive.
狼が牙をむいた。
The wolf bared its fangs.
象の牙は象牙と呼ばれる。
Elephant tusks are called ivory.
普段は穏やかな彼が、怒ると牙をむくように豹変する。
He is usually gentle, but when angry, he transforms as if baring his fangs.
USAGE:
The phrase 牙をむく (to bare one's fangs) is widely used both literally (for animals) and figuratively (for people who suddenly become hostile or aggressive). It implies a threatening posture or a sudden display of aggression.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 牙をむく (to bare one's fangs — also figurative)
- 鋭い牙 (sharp fangs)
- 毒牙 (poison fang — also figurative: harmful influence)
- 牙を抜く (to pull someone's fangs — to render harmless)