By the skin of your teeth

usgb
phrase

Barely making it through a difficult or dangerous situation.

I passed the test by the skin of my teeth.
Visual representation of "by the skin of your teeth" - Barely making it through a difficult or dangerous situation

Often appears as...

  • escape by the skin of your teeth
  • survive by the skin of your teeth

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "by the skin of your teeth"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Meaning

The phrase is not literal; it emphasizes a very close or narrow escape or success.

Illustration for Metaphorical Meaning
He avoided the accident by the skin of his teeth.
LampPro Tip 2/3

High Drama

Use it to describe situations with high tension or last-minute success.

Illustration for High Drama
She caught the train by the skin of her teeth.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not for Precision

It's inappropriate in formal or academic contexts where precision is needed.

Illustration for Not for Precision
He completed the project by the skin of his teeth.
Visual representation of the word "By the skin of your teeth"

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