The phrase "by the skin of our teeth" is a common idiomatic expression that means to barely succeed or manage something, often by a very narrow margin. This phrase has its roots in the Bible, specifically in the book of Job, where it is written, "My bone cleaveth to my skin, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth" (Job 19:20). In this context, Job is describing how he has narrowly escaped a series of terrible events, and the phrase is meant to convey the idea that he has managed to survive by the thinnest of margins.
Over time, the phrase "by the skin of our teeth" has evolved to become a common way to describe any situation where someone has managed to succeed or avoid disaster by a very narrow margin. For example, if someone is running late for a meeting and manages to arrive just as it is about to start, they might say that they "made it by the skin of their teeth." Similarly, if a team wins a game by a single point, they might say that they "won by the skin of their teeth." The phrase is often used to add emphasis to the idea that the outcome was far from certain, and that success was achieved only through a combination of luck, hard work, and determination.
Key Points
- The phrase "by the skin of our teeth" originates from the Bible, specifically the book of Job.
- It is used to describe situations where someone has managed to succeed or avoid disaster by a very narrow margin.
- The phrase is often used to add emphasis to the idea that the outcome was far from certain.
- It can be used in a variety of contexts, including sports, business, and everyday life.
- The phrase is a common way to describe the feeling of relief and accomplishment that comes with narrowly avoiding disaster or achieving success.
The History and Evolution of the Phrase
The phrase “by the skin of our teeth” has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the 16th century. The phrase is thought to have originated from the Bible, where it is written, “My bone cleaveth to my skin, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth” (Job 19:20). Over time, the phrase has evolved to become a common way to describe any situation where someone has managed to succeed or avoid disaster by a very narrow margin.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the phrase was often used in literary and poetic works to describe the idea of narrowly avoiding disaster or achieving success. For example, in his play "The Tempest," William Shakespeare writes, "I have escaped the jaws of death, and am escaped with the skin of my teeth." The phrase was also used by other famous authors, including John Milton and Alexander Pope, to describe the idea of narrowly avoiding disaster or achieving success.
Modern Usage of the Phrase
In modern times, the phrase “by the skin of our teeth” is often used in a variety of contexts, including sports, business, and everyday life. For example, if a team wins a game by a single point, they might say that they “won by the skin of their teeth.” Similarly, if someone is running late for a meeting and manages to arrive just as it is about to start, they might say that they “made it by the skin of their teeth.” The phrase is often used to add emphasis to the idea that the outcome was far from certain, and that success was achieved only through a combination of luck, hard work, and determination.
| Context | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Sports | The team won the game by a single point, and it was clear that they had won by the skin of their teeth. |
| Business | The company managed to meet its quarterly targets, but it was a close call, and they had succeeded by the skin of their teeth. |
| Everyday Life | I was running late for my job interview, but I managed to arrive just on time, and I felt like I had made it by the skin of my teeth. |
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the phrase “by the skin of our teeth” is a common idiomatic expression that means to barely succeed or manage something, often by a very narrow margin. The phrase has its roots in the Bible, and has evolved over time to become a common way to describe any situation where someone has managed to succeed or avoid disaster by a very narrow margin. Whether in sports, business, or everyday life, the phrase is a powerful way to add emphasis to the idea that the outcome was far from certain, and that success was achieved only through a combination of luck, hard work, and determination.
What is the origin of the phrase “by the skin of our teeth”?
+The phrase “by the skin of our teeth” originates from the Bible, specifically the book of Job, where it is written, “My bone cleaveth to my skin, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth” (Job 19:20).
How is the phrase “by the skin of our teeth” used in modern times?
+The phrase “by the skin of our teeth” is often used in a variety of contexts, including sports, business, and everyday life, to describe situations where someone has managed to succeed or avoid disaster by a very narrow margin.
What does the phrase “by the skin of our teeth” mean?
+The phrase “by the skin of our teeth” means to barely succeed or manage something, often by a very narrow margin. It is often used to add emphasis to the idea that the outcome was far from certain, and that success was achieved only through a combination of luck, hard work, and determination.
