26 October 2024 - lips and teeth quiz

China and North Korea say they're "as close as lips and teeth." It used to be that blustering Pyongyang was the lips and Korean War ally China was the teeth, but now North Korean troops are training in Russia to pay a visit to Ukraine. How will the monstrous metaphor be tamed?

A. As close as lips with teeth growing on them.
B. As close as shark and swimmer.
C. As close as lips and lip service.
D. Who did you say you are?