Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “By the skin of your teeth” means to barely succeed or narrowly escape failure. It describes a situation where someone achieves something with almost no margin for error.
Hindi Equivalent:
“बस मुश्किल से कामयाब होना”
Literal Meaning: “To succeed just barely”
Detailed Explanation
This phrase originates from the Bible (Job 19:20) and refers to succeeding by the thinnest possible margin—like teeth having just a “skin” of protection. It highlights:
Close Call: Success achieved at the last moment Narrow Escape: Avoiding failure by a hair’s breadth Relief: The feeling of barely making it
Real-Life Examples
1. Exams
- English: “I passed my math test by the skin of my teeth—just one mark above failing!”
- Hindi: “मैं गणित की परीक्षा में बस मुश्किल से पास हुआ—फेल होने से सिर्फ एक नंबर ऊपर!”
2. Sports
- English: “The team won by the skin of their teeth in the final seconds.”
- Hindi: “टीम आखिरी सेकंड में बस मुश्किल से जीती।”
3. Travel
- English: “We caught the flight by the skin of our teeth—the gates were closing!”
- Hindi: “हम विमान में बस मुश्किल से चढ़ पाए—गेट बंद हो रहे थे!”
Psychological & Social Insight
Why This Experience Resonates:
✓ Adrenaline Rush: Last-minute success feels thrilling
✓ Gratitude: Appreciation for narrow escapes
✓ Humility: Reminds us how close we came to failure
Potential Lessons:
✗ Don’t rely on last-minute efforts
✗ Better preparation prevents close calls
✗ Luck plays a role in success
Usage Tips
Use for describing narrow successes Works in casual and professional contexts Often used with “just,” “almost,” or “nearly”
Similar Expressions
| English | Hindi |
|---|---|
| “Close call” | “बाल-बाल बचना” |
| “Narrow escape” | “संकट से मुश्किल से बचना” |
| “Hanging by a thread” | “धागे से लटकना” |
Cultural Perspectives
- Western Context: Common in sports and academics
- Indian Context: Similar to “जैसे-तैसे करके” (somehow managing)
- Global Usage: Universal concept of narrow success
Reflection Questions:
- When have you succeeded “by the skin of your teeth”?
- How can we turn close calls into better preparation?
- Does luck play too big a role in such successes?
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