long in the tooth

Idioms and Phrases

Getting on in years, old, as in Aunt Aggie's a little long in the tooth to be helping us move . This expression alludes to a horse's gums receding with age and making the teeth appear longer. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Guardiola dismisses the suggestion City have allowed their squad to get too long in the tooth, but this is an ageing group and miles on the clock finally appear to be taking their toll.

From BBC

He took that post despite suggesting months earlier that he was too long in the tooth and it was perhaps time for new blood.

From BBC

The Justice Department declined to prosecute Joe Biden but couldn’t help notice he’s gettin’ long in the tooth.

From Slate

But it’s also getting a bit long in the tooth.

From Seattle Times

The place might be frozen in amber — and a bit long in the tooth technologically — but the vibe on the eve of the winter solstice was future-focused and upbeat.

From New York Times