In the following question, an idiomatic expression or a proverb is…
2024
In the following question, an idiomatic expression or a proverb is highlighted. Select the alternative which best describes its use in the sentence.
The crew member managed to survive by the skin of his teeth.
Answer: C. Just barely able to do something — Meaning: The idiom "by the skin of one's teeth" means "just barely" or "only narrowly" — to achieve, survive, or complete something with a very small margin.…
- A.
To win something by a large margin
- B.
To forget something important
- C.
Just barely able to do something
- D.
To wish to defeat someone badly
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Correct answer: C
Meaning: The idiom "by the skin of one's teeth" means "just barely" or "only narrowly" — to achieve, survive, or complete something with a very small margin.
Explanation:
In the sentence, the crew member "survived by the skin of his teeth" means he survived only narrowly; he almost did not survive.
This idiom emphasizes a very small margin between success and failure, not a large margin or forgetting something.
Synonyms: barely, narrowly, just in time.
Example: "The crew member escaped the sinking ship by the skin of his teeth" means he escaped only just before it was too late.