What Does '(By the) Skin of One’s Teeth' Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句） -N0.538-

What Does '(By the) Skin of One’s Teeth' Mean? (よく使う英語慣用語句)

Introduction:
Have you ever barely managed to succeed at something, almost failing but just making it? In English, we describe this narrow escape or success as doing something “by the skin of one’s teeth.”

1. What Does '(By the) Skin of One’s Teeth' Mean?
This phrase means to narrowly succeed or barely escape failure or danger. It emphasizes how close you were to not making it.

2. When to Use It
Use this phrase when you or someone else just barely manages to succeed, avoid danger, or finish something in time.

Example:
A: Did you catch the last train?
B: Yes, but only by the skin of my teeth!

3. 日本語の同じような表現
日本語では、「かろうじて」や「ぎりぎりで」、「危うく間に合った」などが近い表現です。失敗や危険をすれすれで避けられたときに使います。

Conclusion:
When you want to describe a narrow success or escape, use “by the skin of one’s teeth.” It’s a vivid phrase that shows just how close you came to failing or missing out.

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