The teeth that laugh are also those that bite.
The teeth that laugh are also those that bite.
Meaning in plain English
Teeth that laugh and also bite give the same visible feature a friendly and a harmful role. The saying contrasts welcome appearance with possible harm.
Example
Someone appreciates a friendly interaction while judging trust from conduct rather than a smile alone.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The shared teeth make the contrast concrete, while the supplied gloss broadens it to happiness and worry coming from one source. A qualified reading examines the image without assuming every friendly person is deceptive or every pleasure leads to pain. Actual conduct is needed to assess a particular relationship.
When to use it
Use it to discuss appearance and possible harm with evidence retained.
Keep in mind
A smile does not prove deception, and no inevitable harm from happiness is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 923; PDF page 129
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
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Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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