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Select the most accurate meaning of the idiom: By the skin of one's teeth

1. By means of cunning and deceit
2. With the barest possible margin
3. With great confidence and ease
4. By sheer inherited fortune

Correct answer: With the barest possible margin

Solution

The idiom 'by the skin of one's teeth' means to do something with the smallest possible margin, often narrowly avoiding failure. It does not refer to deceit, ease, or fortune. Hence, the correct meaning is 'With the barest possible margin'.

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