by the skin of one's teeth

phrase

Synonyms of by the skin of one's teeth next

: by a very narrow margin

Cite this Entry

Style

“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 Feb. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

by the skin of one's teeth

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on by the skin of one's teeth

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

abdicate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

'Buck naked' or 'butt naked'?

What does 'etcetera' mean?

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Why Is the Letter ‘Z’ Associated With Sleeping?

The Words of the Week - Feb. 13

Why do we call it 'ides of March'?

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek

Did Orange the Fruit or the Color Come First?

Games & Quizzes