咬牙 yǎoyá verb ① (咬紧牙齿) clench one’s teeth ▸ 恨得直咬牙 gnash one’s teeth in hatred ▸ 他咬着牙忍着痛苦。 He clenched his teeth, enduring the intense pain. ▸ 她咬咬牙一头扎进冰冷的水里。 She gritted her teeth and plunged into the cold water. ② (磨牙) grind one’s teeth in one’s sleep |