dragon's teeth
C2Formal, Literary, Historical-Military
Definition
Meaning
Concrete anti-tank obstacles, typically pyramidal in shape, placed in lines to impede the movement of vehicles and tanks.
A metaphorical term for something sowed to create future trouble, conflict, or obstacles. It evokes the idea of causing persistent future problems from small initial actions, akin to the mythical dragon's teeth that sprout into armed warriors.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a plural noun phrase, typically used with a plural verb. The literal military sense is concrete; the metaphorical sense is abstract and allusive, often requiring knowledge of the myth of Cadmus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Both use the term in historical/military and metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries a weight of historical warfare (WWII defences) and classical/mythological allusion.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, found in historical texts, strategic discussions, and literary commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to sow [possessive] dragon's teethdragon's teeth [plural verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to sow dragon's teeth (to create future conflict)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The new policy sowed dragon's teeth of resentment among the workforce.'
Academic
Used in historical/military studies and classical literature analysis. 'The Maginot Line was supplemented by extensive fields of dragon's teeth.'
Everyday
Extremely rare. Used only in allusive, educated speech. 'His divisive rhetoric is sowing dragon's teeth for the next generation.'
Technical
Specific term in military history and defence engineering for a type of fortification.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The old war museum had examples of dragon's teeth used in the coastal defences.
- His lies planted dragon's teeth that caused arguments years later.
- Archaeologists documented the lines of crumbling dragon's teeth along the former frontier.
- The peace treaty was flawed, sowing dragon's teeth that would eventually sprout into renewed hostility.
- The policy was a classic case of sowing dragon's teeth, creating bureaucratic obstacles for future administrations.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dragon planting its own sharp teeth in the ground, which grow into rows of spiky concrete pyramids to stop tanks.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/CONFLICTS ARE SEEDS (that grow into harmful entities). ACTIONS ARE PLANTING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct, word-for-word translation ('зубы дракона') without context, as it will not convey the military or metaphorical meaning. In Russian military context, 'противотанковые ежи' (Czech hedgehogs) or 'надолбы' are closer, but not identical. The metaphorical sense requires a paraphrase like 'сеять раздор/семена будущих конфликтов'.
Common Mistakes
- Using a singular verb (e.g., 'The dragon's teeth is...'). Treating it as a singular compound noun. Confusing it with 'dragon's tooth' (a single tooth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'dragon's teeth' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its standard meanings. You refer to a field or line of 'dragon's teeth'. A single pyramidal obstacle is not typically called 'a dragon's tooth'.
From the Greek myth of Cadmus, who slew a dragon and, on Athena's advice, sowed its teeth. Armed warriors (Spartoi) sprang from the ground and fought each other.
Almost never. It inherently signifies creating obstacles or future trouble.
A 'Pyrrhic victory' is a win that costs so much it's tantamount to defeat. 'Sowing dragon's teeth' is about an action that generates future conflict or problems, regardless of the immediate outcome.