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.”
Stay light as a feather and strong as a lion!
— P. L. Periwinkle
