by the skin of one's teeth

Definition

Barely; closely; by a narrow margin; with nothing to spare.

Etymology

* From Job 19.20. "My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth."

Example Sentences

• "I passed the test by the skin of my teeth."
• "I would have liked to have hung around in Birmingham, but my connections are tight owing to a points failure, and I make the CrossCountry Class 170 to Derby by the skin of my teeth."