by the skin of one's teeth

phrase

Synonyms of by the skin of one's teeth next

: by a very narrow margin

Word History

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of by the skin of one's teeth was in 1794

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“By the skin of one's teeth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/by%20the%20skin%20of%20one%27s%20teeth. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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by the skin of one's teeth

phrase

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