歯はが立たたない

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.

• 彼かれの英えい語ご力りょくには歯はが立たたない。

  I'm no match for his English ability.

• この難なん問もんには歯はが立たたない。

  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.

• このステーキは硬かたくて歯はが立たたない。

  This steak is so tough I can't chew it.