armed to the teeth

1. Overly well equipped or prepared, as in With her elaborate gown and makeup, she was armed to the teeth for her first New York appearance. The expression to the teeth meant “well equipped” in the 14th century, when knights often wore head-to-foot armor. The idiom, however, only gained currency in the mid-1800s, at first still applied to weapons or other military equipment. Today it is used still more figuratively.

Example Sentences

Even then, when Arisu is ambushed by an adversary armed to the teeth, Chishiya doesn’t help him, preferring to stand back and wait for the situation to sort itself out.

From Salon

And they were all armed to the teeth.

From Literature

Once again, Europe was armed to the teeth.

From Literature

Before you head outside, armed to the teeth with tools, pause.

From Seattle Times

Those who hear their Dear Leader’s call are far too likely to show up armed to the teeth in our schools, our churches and our public squares.

From Salon