What is "book that originated the phrase ""skin of my teeth"""?

The phrase "skin of my teeth" originates from the Book of Job in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). Specifically, it appears in Job 19:20, where Job laments his suffering. The exact wording varies slightly depending on the translation, but the core meaning remains consistent.

Job, having endured immense hardship and loss, is expressing how narrowly he has escaped complete destruction. He feels that he has survived by the barest margin, clinging to life by literally "the skin of his teeth".

The phrase is a vivid metaphor for a near miss or a very close call. It emphasizes the precariousness of survival and the minimal margin by which one avoids disaster. It's often used to describe situations where someone has barely managed to escape harm or failure.