Made It By The Skin Of My Teeth
Have you ever heard the phrase "made it by the skin of my teeth"? It's a commonly used expression that means "just barely made it." People use it to describe situations where they were able to succeed or survive, but only by a very narrow margin. So, where did this expression come from, and how did it become so popular?
The Origin of the Phrase
The phrase "made it by the skin of my teeth" is actually a biblical reference. In the book of Job in the Old Testament, Job is going through a difficult time and says, "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth." This phrase is meant to convey just how close Job came to losing everything, and how he feels like he's barely holding on.
Over time, the phrase was shortened to "skin of my teeth" and began to be used more widely to describe any situation where someone barely made it through.
Examples of When to Use It
There are many situations where you might use the phrase "made it by the skin of my teeth." Here are a few examples:
- You're taking a test and you're not sure if you passed. When you get your grade back, you realize you got a 70%, which is just enough to pass. You might say, "I made it by the skin of my teeth."
- You're driving on a slippery road and you lose control of your car. You end up spinning out and almost hitting a tree, but you manage to stop just in time. You might say, "I made it by the skin of my teeth."
- You're applying for a job and you're not sure if you're qualified. After the interview, you find out that you got the job, but only because the other candidate dropped out. You might say, "I made it by the skin of my teeth."
Why It's Important to Use the Right Words
Using the right words is important in any situation, but it's especially important when you're trying to convey a specific meaning or emotion. When you use the phrase "made it by the skin of my teeth," you're letting people know that you barely made it through, and that you're grateful to have survived.
It's important to use this phrase correctly, because if you use it in the wrong context, it might not make sense or might even offend someone. For example, if you say "I made it by the skin of my teeth" after winning a game or competition, it might come across as arrogant or insensitive.
Conclusion
The phrase "made it by the skin of my teeth" is a powerful expression that conveys just how close someone came to losing everything. Whether you're talking about a difficult test, a scary accident, or a challenging job interview, using this phrase can help you communicate your emotions and experiences more effectively.
Just remember to use it correctly and in the right context, so that you don't accidentally offend someone or come across as insensitive.
