By the skin of your teeth

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does By the skin of your teeth mean? In what situations is By the skin of your teeth used?

Meaning of "By the skin of your teeth"

Meaning

The phrase “by the skin of one’s teeth” is an idiom used to describe someone barely achieving or just avoiding something. It is often used to indicate the idea that something is just barely saved from disaster, almost to the point of being too late. In other words, it is used to describe an individual who narrowly escapes a dangerous or difficult situation.

Etymology

The origin of the phrase “by the skin of one’s teeth” is found in the Bible. In Job 19:20, job pleads to God: “My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.” This verse is interpreted by scholars as Job’s near-death experience and impending salvation. By using this phrase in this context, it is inferred that Job is barely able to escape death, hence the phrase “by the skin of one’s teeth.”

Usage

The phrase “by the skin of one's teeth” is generally used to describe a situation where someone barely manages to avoid a dangerous or difficult situation. It is often used in a humorous way, to indicate the fact that despite all odds, the person was able to escape their precarious situation.

Example Sentences

• I managed to pass my exam by the skin of my teeth!
• He was able to escape the accident by the skin of his teeth.
• We made the deadline by the skin of our teeth.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.