have a sweet tooth

Meaning

This popular idiom means to have a strong liking or craving for sweet foods, such as candy, chocolate, cake, or pastries. It is a lighthearted way to explain why you love desserts.

Examples

• I've always had a sweet tooth, so I can never resist ordering dessert.

  I've always had a sweet tooth, so I can never resist ordering dessert.

• My sister has a massive sweet tooth; she eats chocolate every single day.

  My sister has a massive sweet tooth; she eats chocolate every single day.

• If you have a sweet tooth, you are going to love this bakery.

  If you have a sweet tooth, you are going to love this bakery.

• I'm trying to cut back on sugar, which is really hard because I have such a sweet tooth.

  I'm trying to cut back on sugar, which is really hard because I have such a sweet tooth.

• Do you have a sweet tooth, or do you prefer savory snacks like chips?

  Do you have a sweet tooth, or do you prefer savory snacks like chips?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ My brother has many sweet teeth.

  ✓ My brother has a sweet tooth.

  The idiom is always singular ('a sweet tooth'), even if the person eats a lot of sweets. Do not pluralize it.

• ✗ I am a sweet tooth.

  ✓ I have a sweet tooth.

  You do not 'be' a sweet tooth; you 'have' a sweet tooth.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I really ___, so I always keep some chocolate in my desk drawer.

  💡 love sugary foods

  Show answer

  have a sweet tooth

• Since you ___, you should definitely try the chocolate fudge cake.

  💡 enjoy eating sweets

  Show answer

  have a sweet tooth