Level B2 – Upper Intermediate
Reading Time – 3 minutes
Introduction: Just Barely Making It!
Ever barely escaped a sticky situation? Maybe you nearly missed a flight, or you just managed to meet a tight deadline. These are the times when we say we made it “by the skin of our teeth.” It’s an expression with a bit of drama – a way to describe when we’ve narrowly avoided disaster. Let’s dive into what it means, how it came to be, and how you can use it in English to sound fluent and expressive!
What Does “By the Skin of Our Teeth” Mean?
The phrase “by the skin of our teeth” is all about close calls. When you say you did something “by the skin of your teeth,” it means you just barely succeeded, often by a razor-thin margin. Think of it as saying, “I made it, but only just!” It’s often used with a sigh of relief – the kind of phrase you’d say after a narrow escape or a last-minute achievement.
The Origins of the Expression
Interestingly, this expression comes from a translation of the Bible, specifically from the Book of Job. In this ancient text, Job says, “I am escaped with the skin of my teeth,” suggesting that he narrowly escaped a series of misfortunes. But here’s the interesting part: teeth don’t actually have skin! This odd phrase implies something impossibly thin, almost nonexistent – a way of saying that your success or survival was hanging by a thread.
Examples of “By the Skin of Our Teeth” in Use
Let’s look at some examples that show just how versatile and vivid this phrase can be:
- Everyday Conversation:
“Phew! I caught the last train by the skin of my teeth. Another minute and I’d have been stuck at the station all night!” - Job Interview:
“In my previous role, I handled a project where the deadline was very tight. Despite the challenges, I managed to submit it by the skin of my teeth, and my manager was pleased with the results.” - IELTS Speaking Test – Part 3 (Discussion):
“I believe taking risks can sometimes be rewarding. For instance, there have been times when I’ve achieved success by the skin of my teeth, like when I had only a day to study for a big exam but managed to pass with high marks. Such situations teach us resilience.” - Storytelling (Casual Setting):
“I remember driving through a snowstorm last winter. It was terrifying, but I reached home by the skin of my teeth before the roads were completely blocked.” - Motivational Context:
“Sometimes in life, we succeed by the skin of our teeth, but what matters is that we made it. Every close call teaches us something valuable.” - Business or Work Scenario:
“We had a major client presentation last week, and there was a power outage just before we were supposed to start. Luckily, we restored everything by the skin of our teeth, and the presentation went smoothly.” - Formal Context (Report):
“Due to unforeseen delays, the project was completed by the skin of our teeth, allowing us to meet the client’s expectations just in time.”
Share Your Close Call!
Have you ever had a “skin of your teeth” moment? Share your experience in the comments below, or try using this expression in a sentence. Practice with this phrase to add some color to your English, and remember – sometimes a close call is all it takes to succeed!
