expression, i-adjective
unable to compete with; no match for; can't make a dent in
Used when someone or something is overwhelmingly superior, or a problem is too tough to handle. Often appears as 〜には歯が立たない.
彼の英語力には歯が立たない。
I'm no match for his English ability.
I can't make a dent in this difficult problem.
expression, i-adjective
hard to chew; tough
Literal meaning referring to food that is too tough to bite through. Less common than the figurative sense.
このステーキは硬くて歯が立たない。
This steak is so tough I can't chew it.