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By the skin of your teeth

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Metaphorical MeaningPlay
The phrase is not literal; it emphasizes a very close or narrow escape or success. SlideHe avoided the accident by the skin of his teeth.
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High DramaPlay
Use it to describe situations with high tension or last-minute success. SlideShe caught the train by the skin of her teeth.
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Not for PrecisionPlay
It's inappropriate in formal or academic contexts where precision is needed. SlideHe completed the project by the skin of his teeth.