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# the terrible twos

phrase (noun phrase, «the terrible twos»; plural form)

«the terrible twos» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (everyday) the stage when a child of about two years old often has tantrums, says «no!» and wants their own way.
2. (humorous) any stage of being difficult and stubborn.

### In the lessons

Parents, doctors and nursery staff use it with a mix of humour and comfort: it says the behaviour is normal and will pass. All English-speaking countries. It softens «my toddler is being very difficult».

### Examples

- (parent) She's in the terrible twos — everything is "No!"
- (nursery) Tantrums are common in the terrible twos.
- (gossip) Brace yourself, the terrible twos are coming.
- (chat) toddler screamed in the supermarket. terrible twos are real
- (joke) My new puppy is going through the terrible twos.
- (book) This chapter gives tips for the terrible twos.
- (follow-on) After the terrible twos comes the «threenager» stage.

### Note

Trap: «twos» here means two-year-olds, not the number 2 twice. Not truly terrible — a normal stage. Plural form, plural verb: «the terrible twos are hard».