jaw

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C] either of the two bones at the bottom of the face that contain the teeth and move when you talk or eat: the top / upper jaw * the bottom / lower jaw 2 [sing.] the lower part of the face; the lower jaw: He has a strong square jaw. * The punch broke my jaw. 3 (jaws) [pl.] the mouth and teeth of a person or an animal: The alligator's jaws snapped shut. 4 (jaws) [pl.] the parts of a tool or machine that are used to hold things tightly: the jaws of a vice IDIOMS sb's jaw dropped / fell / sagged used to say that sb suddenly looked surprised, shocked or disappointed the jaws of a tunnel, etc. the narrow entrance to a tunnel, etc., especially one that looks dangerous the jaws of death, defeat, etc. (literary) used to describe an unpleasant situation that almost happens: The team snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. * They narrowly escaped from the jaws of death. verb [V] (informal, often disapproving) to talk, especially to talk a lot or for a long time