interdependent; closely related; share a common fate
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
interdependent; when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold
formalOriginally describes the anatomical interdependence of lips and teeth; now used metaphorically for two parties (countries, organizations, people) with such close interests that one's downfall inevitably affects the other. Often used in diplomatic, economic, or strategic contexts.
These two countries are in a relationship of interdependence and must support each other.
Enterprises and banks are interdependent; neither can survive without the other.
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Our two companies are interdependent partners on this project.
During the Spring and Autumn Period, when the State of Jin attacked the State of Guo, Gong Zhiqi, a senior official of the State of Yu, used the metaphor 'when the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold' to advise the Duke of Yu not to allow Jin to pass through their territory.