save someone’s skin: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘save someone's skin’ mean?
The idiom "save someone's skin" means to rescue or protect someone from danger or harm.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "save the furniture" means to prevent a potentially disastrous situation from becoming worse or to salvage something valuable from a negative situation.
When someone "saves the day," they act heroically or ingeniously to resolve a difficult situation or prevent a disaster.
The idiom "save someone's face" means to protect someone's reputation or dignity by preventing them from feeling embarrassment or humiliation.
The idiom "save one's breath" means to not waste one's time and effort in trying to convince or persuade someone who is unlikely to change their opinion or beliefs.
"Save it" is an idiom that means to stop talking or expressing an opinion, usually because the speaker's point is not wanted or considered relevant by the listener.
The idiom "saved by the bell" means being rescued or helped at the last moment, usually from a difficult or dangerous situation.
One of the commonly used idioms in the English language is "saved by the bell." This expression has several meanings and origins that have been widely discussed and debated.
The idiom "save by the bell" means to be rescued or spared from a difficult or dangerous situation at the last possible moment.
The idiom "save by the bell" is commonly associated with boxing. It suggests that someone was saved or rescued from a difficult or dangerous situation at the last possible moment. The phrase originated in the late 19th century and has since become a popular expression in everyday language and various forms of media.
An idiom is a phrase that does not have a literal meaning. The idiom "save" means to keep money or resources for future use, or to rescue someone or something from danger or harm.
The idiom "salt away" means to save or keep something, especially money, for future use or for a specific purpose.
The idiom "salt away" is derived from the Middle English word "salt" meaning salt. It is believed to have originated from the practice of preserving food by salting it, which was common before the invention of refrigeration. The idiom refers to the act of saving or storing something, often money or resources, for future use.
FAIL
One fact about the idiom "save someone's skin" is that it is an English idiom that means to protect or rescue someone from harm or danger. This idiom is commonly used in informal or everyday language. It is often used figuratively, referring to the preservation of someone's safety or well-being.
From what can be found on the internet, the origin of this idiom is uncertain. No definitive source has been identified to provide exact details on its creation. However, some sources suggest that the idiom could have originated from an old practice of hunters or trappers, where they would remove an animal's skin to sell or use, effectively "saving" it from going to waste.
The idiom "save someone's skin" can be used in various contexts and scenarios. It describes someone who helped another person avoid a dangerous situation or expresses gratitude towards someone who came to their aid. This versatility makes it applicable in both personal and professional contexts.
Idioms, including "save someone's skin," are an integral part of language and culture. They serve as expressions that convey meaning beyond the literal interpretation of the words used. Idioms add color, depth, and richness to our communication, enabling us to convey complex ideas and emotions in a succinct and memorable manner.
Considering the facts presented, it becomes apparent that the idiom "save someone's skin" holds a place in the linguistic fabric of English. Its specific origins remain elusive, but its usage and understanding among speakers are widespread. This idiom serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of language and the unconscious adoption of figurative expressions in our everyday conversations.
This idiom is closely related to the idiom "save someone's face." This phrase means to protect someone from embarrassment or humiliation, preserving their reputation or dignity. Just as "save someone's skin" refers to physical protection, "save someone's face" pertains to the preservation of one's social standing or image.
In addition, the idiom "come to someone's rescue" is closely associated with "save someone's skin." This expression means to help someone in a time of need or difficulty. When someone "comes to your rescue," they are stepping in to provide assistance and save you from a challenging situation. This idiom emphasizes the act of coming to someone's aid and ensuring their well-being.
Another related idiom is simply "save," which can be used in a similar context to "save someone's skin." When someone "saves" another person, it means that they prevent them from harm or danger. This idiom can be used interchangeably with "save someone's skin" to convey the idea of protecting someone or ensuring their safety.
Lastly, the idiom "pull out of the fire" is also connected to "save someone's skin." This phrase means to rescue someone from a difficult or dangerous situation. Just as "save someone's skin" implies physically protecting someone, "pull out of the fire" conveys the action of saving someone from a metaphorical fire or calamity.
These related idioms further highlight the significance of "save someone's skin" and its broader context within the English language. They provide additional layers of meaning and understanding, allowing for a more nuanced expression of protection, assistance, and rescue.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom save someone's skin can be used in a sentence:
- She was surrounded by debt, but her parents saved her skin by paying off all her loans.
- The quick thinking of the lifeguard saved the child's skin when he was drowning in the pool.
- His lawyer managed to present strong evidence that saved his skin from being convicted of the crime.
More "Safety" idioms
