Definition:
“By the skin of one’s teeth” is a vivid expression that means narrowly escaping disaster or achieving success by the smallest margin possible. Literally, it translates to surviving by the thinnest, most marginal edge, akin to a paper-thin escape.
Similar Terms and Phrases:
- “A close shave” ✂️
- “By a whisker” 🐱
- “Touch and go” ⏳
- “On thin ice” ❄️
Proverbs:
- “Missed by a hair’s breadth.”
- “A miss is as good as a mile.”
Humor-Filled Quote:
“If I survived life by the skin of my teeth, I’d be gumming by now.” — Unknown
Synonyms:
- Narrow escape
- Barely make it
- Just in time
Antonyms:
- Absolutely safe
- No contest
- Comfortably ahead
Literary Reference:
- Book: “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain—Huck and Jim’s escapades often leave them in narrowly escaped situations, showcasing the divine dithering of “skin-of-the-teeth” moments.
Movie:
- Movie: “Mission: Impossible” Series—Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, exemplifies escaping by the skin of one’s teeth in every painstakingly dramatic stunt.
Song:
- Song: “Barely Breathing” by Duncan Sheik—A song that embodies the idea of being on the edge and just hanging on by a thread.
Poem:
- Poem: “The Last Leaf” by Oliver Wendell Holmes—Much like someone holding on by the skin of their teeth, the last leaf clings tenaciously through challenges.
Inspiring Thought:
“Narrow escapes remind us that even in times of peril, holding on—even by the skin of our teeth—can lead to stories worth telling and lessons worth sharing.”
### Which of these phrases signifies a narrow escape?
- [x] By the skin of one’s teeth
- [ ] Floating on cloud nine
- [ ] Full steam ahead
- [ ] An arm and a leg
> **Explanation:** "By the skin of one’s teeth" is an idiom for narrowly escaping a situation. The other phrases don't quite capture the close-call essence.
### True or False: 'By the skin of one’s teeth' suggests an easy success.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Absolutely false! It implies just barely scraping by, not an easy win.
### Which situation best describes "by the skin of one’s teeth"?
- [ ] Winning a giant lottery jackpot effortlessly
- [x] Catching the last bus home by running and nearly missing it
- [ ] Receiving an award for outstanding achievement
- [ ] Scheduling a well-planned vacation
> **Explanation:** Catching the last bus home by running and nearly missing it matches the narrow escape essence of "by the skin of one’s teeth."
### What emotion is commonly associated with escaping by the skin of one’s teeth?
- [x] Relief
- [ ] Curiosity
- [ ] Boredom
- [ ] Glee
> **Explanation:** The predominant feelings here would undoubtedly be relief and perhaps a touch of nerve-wracking excitement.
### Which phrase is least similar in meaning to "by the skin of one’s teeth"?
- [ ] Narrowly escaping
- [x] In the clear
- [ ] By a whisker
- [ ] A close call
> **Explanation:** "In the clear" is the odd one out, as it doesn't imply the tension of a near miss; it means entirely safe.
### Where did the phrase "by the skin of one’s teeth" originally come from?
- [ ] Shakespearean play
- [ ] Ancient Sumerian lore
- [x] The Bible
- [ ] A nautical term
> **Explanation:** The expression originally comes from the Bible (Job 19:20), where Job describes his narrow escape from death, saying he has escaped "with the skin of my teeth.”
Stay light as a feather and strong as a lion!
— P. L. Periwinkle
