Meaning Of By The Skin Of One's Teeth
Have you ever heard the phrase "by the skin of one's teeth"? It's a common English expression that is often used to describe a situation where someone barely manages to succeed or survive. But where does this phrase come from, and what does it really mean?
The Origin Of The Phrase
The phrase "by the skin of one's teeth" has its origins in the Bible. In the Book of Job, Job is describing his terrible afflictions and says, "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth" (Job 19:20). This phrase is often interpreted to mean that Job escaped with only the thinnest layer of skin remaining on his teeth.
The Meaning Of The Phrase
The phrase "by the skin of one's teeth" is used to describe a situation where someone barely manages to succeed or survive. For example, if someone passes an exam by just one point, they could say that they passed "by the skin of their teeth." Similarly, if someone narrowly avoids a car accident, they could say that they escaped "by the skin of their teeth."
Usage Of The Phrase
The phrase "by the skin of one's teeth" is a common expression in English and is used in many different contexts. It can be used to describe a narrow escape, a close call, or a situation where someone just manages to succeed. The phrase is often used in a dramatic or humorous way, depending on the context.
Examples Of The Phrase In Use
Here are a few examples of the phrase "by the skin of one's teeth" in use:
- He passed the exam by the skin of his teeth.
- She escaped the fire by the skin of her teeth.
- I made it to the airport by the skin of my teeth.
- The team won the game by the skin of their teeth.
Conclusion
The phrase "by the skin of one's teeth" is a common English expression that is used to describe a situation where someone barely manages to succeed or survive. Its origins can be traced back to the Bible, where it was used by Job to describe his own situation. Today, the phrase is used in many different contexts and is often used in a dramatic or humorous way. So, the next time you narrowly avoid disaster or just manage to succeed, you can say that you did it "by the skin of your teeth."