Used when something is painfully hard work, usually trying to get info out of someone who’s being tight-lipped. Every detail comes out slow, awkward and with loads of effort, like you’re literally yanking teeth. You’ll hear it about silent mates, grumpy teenagers, or anyone who answers everything with yeah, nah, dunno.
"Trying to get Dave to admit he ate the last Jaffa Cake was like pulling teeth. I’m there like, go on then, and he’s just shrugging, muttering nah, wasn’t me, mate"