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UKby the skin of one's teeth
/baɪ ðə skˈɪn ɒv wˈɒnz tˈiːθ/
/baɪ ðə skˈɪn ʌv wˈʌnz tˈiːθ/by the skin of one's teeth
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "by the skin of one's teeth" and when to use it?
The idiom "by the skin of one's teeth" is based on the Bible. The phrase appears in the book of Job, where it is written that Job "escaped by the skin of his teeth". The phrase was later used in literature, including in Shakespeare's play "Henry VI". It is used to describe a situation where someone has only just barely managed to avoid a negative outcome. It suggests that the outcome was largely due to luck or good fortune, rather than the person's own abilities or efforts.
Examples
1. The hiker had survived the wilderness by the skin of his teeth, managing to find his way back to civilization before running out of food.
2. I passed the test by the skin of my teeth, getting just enough points to pass.
3. The traitor had escaped death by the skin of his teeth.
4. If, let's say, you're the gym instructor which I think of, then if you come up to me in the middle of the class and my eyes are closed, I'm just trying to make it through, just survive by the skin of my teeth.
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