By The Skin Of Your Teeth Idiom Meaning
If you have heard someone saying that they have made it "by the skin of their teeth," you may wonder what it means. This is an idiom that is widely used in the English language, and it is often used to describe a situation where someone has managed to succeed, but only just. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the idiom "by the skin of your teeth" and how it is used in everyday conversation.
Origins of the Idiom
The origin of the idiom "by the skin of your teeth" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been used since the 16th century. The phrase appears in the Bible, in the book of Job, where Job says, "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth." This suggests that the idiom may have a biblical origin.
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom "by the skin of your teeth" is used to describe a situation where someone has just managed to succeed, but only just. It suggests that the person has faced difficulty or obstacles and has only just managed to overcome them. The idiom is often used to describe a close call or a narrow escape from a difficult situation.
Usage of the Idiom
The idiom "by the skin of your teeth" is used in everyday conversation and is often used to describe a situation where someone has narrowly avoided a disaster. For example, if someone had just managed to catch a flight, they might say, "I made it by the skin of my teeth." The idiom can also be used to describe achieving something, but just barely. For example, if someone had passed an exam by just one point, they might say, "I passed by the skin of my teeth."
Examples of the Idiom
Here are some examples of the idiom "by the skin of your teeth" used in everyday conversation:
- He managed to finish the race by the skin of his teeth.
- I made it to the airport by the skin of my teeth and just managed to catch my flight.
- She passed her exam by the skin of her teeth.
- The team won the game by the skin of their teeth in the last minute.
Conclusion
The idiom "by the skin of your teeth" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has narrowly avoided a disaster or achieved something, but just barely. The origins of the idiom are not entirely clear, but it has been used since the 16th century and appears in the Bible. Next time you hear someone use the idiom, you will know exactly what it means!