By The Skin Of My Teeth Idiom Meaning
Have you ever heard the phrase "by the skin of my teeth"? This idiom is commonly used in English, but what does it actually mean? In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of this popular phrase.
Origin of the Idiom
The origin of the phrase "by the skin of my teeth" is uncertain, but it is thought to have originated from the Bible. In the Book of Job, Job says, "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth." This phrase was later used by Shakespeare in "Henry IV, Part 1."
Meaning of the Idiom
The meaning of the idiom "by the skin of my teeth" is to narrowly escape a difficult or dangerous situation. It implies that the person was very close to failing or being harmed, but managed to succeed or survive by just a small margin.
Examples of Use
Here are some examples of how the idiom "by the skin of my teeth" can be used:
- "I almost missed my flight, but I made it by the skin of my teeth."
- "He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth."
- "She narrowly avoided the car accident by the skin of her teeth."
Similar Idioms
There are several idioms that are similar in meaning to "by the skin of my teeth." They include:
- "by a hair's breadth"
- "by a whisker"
- "by the narrowest of margins"
- "just in the nick of time"
Conclusion
The idiom "by the skin of my teeth" is a popular phrase in English that is used to describe a narrow escape from a difficult or dangerous situation. Its origin is uncertain, but it is thought to have come from the Bible. There are several similar idioms that convey a similar meaning, including "by a hair's breadth" and "just in the nick of time."
