Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
if it had teeth, it'd bite one en · X
Meanings
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(US, colloquial, humorous) It is in plain sight; one should be able to see it for oneself.
Maybe there was a gross flaw, so obvious that they were all missing it, just as Mario sometimes said, "Where's the dried oregano?" when the jar was in plain view on the countertop. Then Dora would say, "If it had teeth, it'd bite you."
1994, Lawrence Sanders, Three Complete Novels, page 354:LETTY (Quite suddenly younger, timid.) Ma says to pass the salt, Pa.
CAP (Deep voiced, strong, harsh.) You can tell her it's over there.
LETTY She says where, Pa?
CAP If it had teeth, it'd bite her.
2008, Barbara Parisi, The Best American Short Plays, 2004-2005, page 270:ALICE. Where's the sugar, Mother?
JENNIE. Right under your nose. If it had teeth, it'd bite you.
1942, Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, Western Union, Please: A Comedy in Three Acts, page 5: