By the Skin of One’s Teeth: Learn what the means through example!

What does “By the Skin of One’s Teeth” mean?

"By the Skin of One’s Teeth" means barely or narrowly escaping a difficult or dangerous situation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I managed to pass the exam by the skin of my teeth.

Example

He avoided getting hit by the car by the skin of his teeth.

Example

The team won the game by the skin of their teeth

Is “By the Skin of One’s Teeth” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“By the Skin of One’s Teeth” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “By the Skin of One’s Teeth” effectively in context?

You can use "By the Skin of One’s Teeth" to describe a situation where someone barely or narrowly escapes a difficult or dangerous situation. It emphasizes the close call and the element of luck or minimal margin of success. For example, if you narrowly pass an exam, you might say, 'I managed to pass the exam "by the skin of my teeth".'

• 1. Academic

  She studied all night and managed to pass the test by the skin of her teeth.

• 2. Accident

  He avoided getting hit by the car by the skin of his teeth.

• 3. Sports

  The team won the game by the skin of their teeth.

Similar phrases to “By the Skin of One’s Teeth”:

Narrowly escape

To barely avoid or get away from a dangerous or difficult situation

Example

He narrowly escaped the burning building.

Close call

A situation where someone narrowly avoids a disaster or failure

Example

It was a close call, but she managed to catch her flight.

On the edge of one's seat

In a state of suspense or excitement, waiting for an outcome

Example

The audience was on the edge of their seats during the thrilling movie.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “By the Skin of One’s Teeth” come from?

The origin of the phrase "By the Skin of One’s Teeth" is unknown.

Is “By the Skin of One’s Teeth” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "By the Skin of One’s Teeth" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where they narrowly escape a difficult or dangerous situation.

What tone does “By the Skin of One’s Teeth” have?

"By the Skin of One’s Teeth" conveys a tone of relief and astonishment. It highlights the narrowness of the escape and the element of luck or minimal margin of success.

Can “By the Skin of One’s Teeth” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "By the Skin of One’s Teeth" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a close call or a narrow escape. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I finished the race "by the skin of my teeth".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Phew, "by the skin of my teeth"!' to express relief after narrowly avoiding something.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• barely make it
• just scrape by
• escape by a hair's breadth
• survive by a whisker
• squeak through

Antonyms

• easily succeed
• safely avoid
• comfortably win
• cruise through
• escape unscathed