Signification
To speak bluntly or directly.
Contexte culturel
In Greece, 'frankness' is often associated with the concept of 'Dopia' (local/authentic). A person who speaks outside the teeth is seen as 'nontobros' (straightforward), a trait highly respected in rural and working-class communities. Cypriot Greek uses the same idiom, but the accent and local cadence can make it sound even more forceful. It is often used in the context of the 'Cyprus Problem' in political debates. Second-generation Greeks often use this phrase as a way to connect with their heritage's perceived 'honesty' compared to the more 'politically correct' culture of their host countries. While modern Greek startups are adopting more 'American' styles of feedback, 'έξω από τα δόντια' remains the standard way to describe a 'no-BS' approach in traditional Greek businesses.
Use 'τα'
Adding 'τα' (τα είπα έξω από τα δόντια) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't overdo it
If you always speak 'outside the teeth,' people might think you are aggressive or lack 'tact.'
Signification
To speak bluntly or directly.
Use 'τα'
Adding 'τα' (τα είπα έξω από τα δόντια) makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Don't overdo it
If you always speak 'outside the teeth,' people might think you are aggressive or lack 'tact.'
Pair with 'ειλικρινά'
Start a sentence with 'Θα σου μιλήσω ειλικρινά και έξω από τα δόντια' for maximum impact.
The 'Kafenio' test
This is the perfect phrase to use when discussing sports or politics in a Greek cafe.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Ο Γιώργος δεν φοβάται κανέναν, πάντα μιλάει ____ από τα ____.
The correct idiom is 'έξω από τα δόντια'.
Which sentence best describes someone who 'μιλάει έξω από τα δόντια'?
Ποιος μιλάει έξω από τα δόντια;
The idiom refers to directness and honesty, not volume or speed.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
Άννα: 'Πώς σου φάνηκε η παρουσίασή μου;' Κώστας: 'Θέλεις να σου ____ έξω από τα δόντια; Ήταν λίγο βαρετή.'
The subjunctive 'να μιλήσω' is required after 'θέλεις να'.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Σε ποια περίπτωση θα έλεγες 'Τα είπα έξω από τα δόντια';
Challenging authority with honesty is a classic use of this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Inside vs. Outside the Teeth
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΟ Γιώργος δεν φοβάται κανέναν, πάντα μιλάει ____ από τα ____.
The correct idiom is 'έξω από τα δόντια'.
Ποιος μιλάει έξω από τα δόντια;
The idiom refers to directness and honesty, not volume or speed.
Άννα: 'Πώς σου φάνηκε η παρουσίασή μου;' Κώστας: 'Θέλεις να σου ____ έξω από τα δόντια; Ήταν λίγο βαρετή.'
The subjunctive 'να μιλήσω' is required after 'θέλεις να'.
Σε ποια περίπτωση θα έλεγες 'Τα είπα έξω από τα δόντια';
Challenging authority with honesty is a classic use of this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNot inherently, but it describes a blunt way of speaking. It's more about 'courageous honesty' than being mean.
Yes, if the situation requires serious honesty, but be careful with your tone.
They are the same. 'Μιλώ' is slightly more formal/traditional, 'μιλάω' is more common in daily speech.
Yes: 'μίλησα έξω από τα δόντια' (I spoke bluntly).
No, that is not a standard idiom and will sound strange to Greeks.
Exactly. It's the perfect English equivalent.
Yes, many Greek 'laiko' and 'entechno' songs use it to describe heartbreak or social truth.
Usually, it's for 'hard' truths, but you could use it to give very direct, high praise too.
It means mumbling or speaking under your breath, usually in anger.
Very common. You will hear it in news, movies, and daily life.
You can say: 'Θέλω να μου τα πεις έξω από τα δόντια.'
It's neutral. It's used in both casual and professional settings.
Expressions liées
δεν μασάω τα λόγια μου
synonymI don't chew my words.
λέω τα πράγματα με το όνομά τους
similarTo call a spade a spade.
μιλάω μέσα από τα δόντια μου
contrastTo mumble or speak with suppressed anger.
τα λέω χύμα
specialized formTo speak in a messy, unfiltered way.
ανοίγω την καρδιά μου
similarTo open one's heart.
βγάζω τα άπλυτα στη φόρα
builds onTo air dirty laundry.
