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By The Skin Of Your Teeth Idiom Meaning And Sentence

By The Skin Of Your Teeth Idiom Meaning And Sentence

Have you ever heard the phrase "by the skin of your teeth"? This is an idiom that is commonly used in the English language to describe a situation where someone has just barely managed to achieve something. In this article, we will explore the meaning of this idiom, its origins, and provide examples of how it can be used in a sentence.

What Does "By The Skin Of Your Teeth" Mean?

The phrase "by the skin of your teeth" is used to describe a situation where someone has just barely managed to achieve something. It implies that the person has narrowly avoided failure or disaster.

The phrase is often used to describe situations where someone has just managed to escape a difficult or dangerous situation. For example, if someone has just managed to avoid a car accident by swerving at the last minute, they might say that they "escaped by the skin of their teeth."

Origins Of The Idiom

Origins Of The Idiom

The origins of the idiom "by the skin of your teeth" are not entirely clear, but it is thought to have originated from the Bible. In the Book of Job, Job says "My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped by the skin of my teeth." This phrase is thought to refer to a situation where someone has just barely avoided death or a serious injury.

Over time, the phrase has evolved to refer to any situation where someone has just barely managed to achieve something.

Examples Of How To Use The Idiom

Here are some examples of how to use the idiom "by the skin of your teeth" in a sentence:

  • I managed to finish the exam by the skin of my teeth.
  • He avoided getting fired by the skin of his teeth.
  • She escaped the burning building by the skin of her teeth.
  • We won the game by the skin of our teeth.
  • They narrowly avoided a car accident by the skin of their teeth.

Conclusion

The idiom "by the skin of your teeth" is a common phrase in the English language that is used to describe a situation where someone has just barely managed to achieve something. Its origins are thought to be from the Bible, where it is used to describe a situation where someone has just barely avoided death or serious injury. If you hear someone using this phrase, you now have a better understanding of what it means.

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