Pronunciation: [ba͡ɪ skˈɪn ɒv tˈiːθ] (IPA) 
"By skin of teeth" is a well-known idiom that means to narrowly escape a difficult situation. It is interesting to note that the correct spelling of this phrase includes the word "skin", rather than "skim", which is a common mistake. The pronunciation of "skin" is /skɪn/, which is different from "skim" /skɪm/. So, next time you use this phrase, remember to spell it with "skin" and not "skim".
The phrase "by the skin of one's teeth" is an idiomatic expression used to convey a narrow, almost miraculous escape from a difficult or dangerous situation. It implies that someone has managed to overcome an obstacle or succeeded in achieving something by the smallest possible margin, just as the skin covers the teeth barely. An individual using this phrase wishes to emphasize how incredibly close they came to failing or becoming a victim.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the biblical book of Job, where the suffering protagonist exclaims, "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth." Most interpretations view this verse as Job attributing his survival to the thin layer of skin that remains on his teeth, metaphorically representing how narrowly he escaped death or catastrophe.
In contemporary usage, "by the skin of one's teeth" is an expression frequently employed to highlight a hair's breadth escape from a perilous situation. It suggests that the outcome was so close that success could hardly be claimed or expected in future endeavors. By using this phrase, speakers aim to emphasize the slim margin by which they achieved their goal, demonstrating their resilience, perseverance, or maybe even a touch of good luck in the face of overwhelming odds.
