‘By The Skin Of My Teeth’, Meaning & Context

The idiom “by the skin of my teeth” means to narrowly escape a difficult or dangerous situation or to just barely achieve something. It implies a situation where success or safety is achieved by the thinnest of margins, often evoking a sense of relief and sometimes surprise that disaster was avoided or that a goal was met.

Origin of the Phrase “By The Skin of my Teeth”

The phrase “by the skin of one’s teeth” has a biblical origin. It is found in the Book of Job, specifically Job 19:20, which reads:

“My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.”

In this context, Job is expressing his profound suffering and the fact that he has barely survived his trials and tribulations. The phrase has been interpreted and used over the centuries to signify a narrow escape or a close call.

Similar References to Job’s Suffering

The idiom “by the skin of one’s teeth” is directly linked to the suffering of Job, a central figure in the Bible known for his immense suffering and unwavering faith. Job’s story is often referenced in discussions of endurance, perseverance, and the human condition. Similar references can be found in literature and other media that explore themes of human suffering and resilience.

For example, in John Milton’s “Paradise Lost,” the character of Satan endures great suffering and repeatedly escapes peril, albeit through cunning and defiance rather than faith.

These references to Job’s suffering and the idiom derived from his story underscore the universal nature of human struggle and the narrow margins by which people often survive and succeed.

Appearances in Literature

“By the skin of my teeth” has made numerous appearances in literature, often used to describe a character’s narrow escape or near miss. For example, in Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield,” the phrase is employed to convey a character’s narrow escape from financial ruin. Similarly, in Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables,” the character Jean Valjean experiences tremendous hardship and often narrowly escapes capture and punishment.

The idiom has also been used in modern literature. In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” it is used to describe how Harry and Hermione narrowly escape a dangerous situation. This use underscores the tension and relief that come with narrowly avoiding disaster, a common theme where this idiom is aptly applied.

Appearances in Other Media

Beyond literature, “by the skin of one’s teeth” has found its way into various forms of media, including film, television, and music. In movies, the idiom is often used in dialogue to heighten dramatic tension. For instance, in the action film “Die Hard,” the protagonist, John McClane, frequently finds himself surviving “by the skin of his teeth,” which emphasizes the perilous nature of his situation.

Television shows, especially those in the thriller and crime genres, also frequently use this phrase. In series like “Breaking Bad,” characters often escape danger in the nick of time, which is often described using this idiom. It serves to amplify the suspense and urgency of the narrative.

In music, the idiom has been used in song lyrics to convey themes of survival and resilience. For example, the band Megadeth’s song “Skin o’ My Teeth” directly references the idiom to express the thin line between survival and defeat.

Shakespeare Connection

While William Shakespeare did not use the exact phrase “by the skin of one’s teeth,” he often explored similar themes of narrow escapes and precarious situations in his works. For instance, in “The Merchant of Venice,” the character Antonio narrowly escapes death through the cunning of Portia, which can be seen as an escape “by the skin of his teeth.” Similarly, in “Hamlet,” the titular character frequently finds himself in situations where he narrowly avoids disaster or death.

Shakespeare’s works are replete with moments where characters narrowly avoid dire consequences, underscoring the thin line between success and failure, much like the idiom itself.

Sentences Using the Idiom

1. After his car skidded on the icy road, John managed to regain control by the skin of his teeth.
2. She passed the final exam by the skin of her teeth, scoring just enough to pass the course.
3. The firefighters rescued the family from the burning building by the skin of their teeth.
4. The team won the championship by the skin of their teeth, scoring a goal as the referee raised the whistle to his lips.
5. He avoided bankruptcy by the skin of his teeth after securing a last-minute loan.

The idiom “by the skin of one’s teeth” effectively captures the tension and relief that come with narrowly avoiding disaster or just barely achieving success, making it a powerful and evocative expression in both everyday language and artistic works.