PhrasesHub

Out of the jaws of death

    Definitions

      • narrowly escape danger or death
        To describe a situation where someone has escaped a very dangerous or life-threatening situation

    Examples of Out of the jaws of death

    • Sarah had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and given only a few months to live. Against all odds, she underwent rigorous treatment and is now cancer-free. We can say that Sarah has emerged out of the jaws of death.

      "Out of the jaws of death" is a figurative expression that is used to describe a situation where an individual has overcome a life-threatening or fatal condition. It is derived from the image of an animal's jaws, which one may consider as a symbol of death. In this example, Sarah's cancer diagnosis was perceived as a dangerous situation that could potentially lead to her death. However, Sarah's unwavering spirit and determined approach towards her treatment enabled her to overcome the hurdles and emerge victorious, hence, out of the jaws of death.

    • A few years back, John was involved in a serious accident which had left him paralyzed and in critical condition. After several surgeries and arduous rehabilitation, John has made a remarkable recovery and is now able to walk and live life to the fullest. We can say that John has come out of the jaws of death.

      This example is similar to the first one, where John faced a potentially fatal condition due to the accident. The use of "Out of the jaws of death" in this case denotes the incredible strength and courage that John showed throughout his recovery. The phrase signifies that John had been in a life-threatening situation and has successfully overcome it, emerging as a survivor.

    • Last month, there was a robbery in the neighbourhood, and many people were held at gunpoint. A woman, who was later identified as Angela, bravely saved the lives of the hostages by sacrificing herself. This incident draws parallels with the phrase "Out of the jaws of death", as Angela chose to die in place of the hostages.

      This usage of the idiom is somewhat different from the previous two examples. Here, Angela's act of bravery is portrayed as an opportunity to save others' lives, which essentially came out of the jaws of death. It represents the selfless nature of the human spirit that can help us comprehend the depth of human courage and compassion.

    • The fire broke out in the building, and many people lost their lives in the ensuing chaos. Miraculously, a man named Michael managed to escape from the blaze, and his family was rescued as well. It goes without saying that Michael's family has been saved out of the jaws of death.

      This example symbolizes the rare combination of resilience and luck that led to Michael's family's survival. The phrase "Out of the jaws of death" highlights the near-mortal situation that they were in, and it's a stark reminder of the vulnerability of human life. It signifies that Michael's family was fortunate enough to have escaped from a potentially fatal situation, hence, has been saved out of the jaws of death.

    • Despite being caught in the middle of a violent robbery and facing certain death, the victim managed to escape out of the jaws of death by overpowering the robbers and calling for help.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone who is in a life-threatening situation manages to survive against all odds. In this example, the victim faced severe danger during the robbery, but was able to turn the situation around and survive. Another way to say this would be "from the clutches of death" or "out of mortal danger."

    • The emergency responders worked tirelessly to save the victims from the burning building, pulling them out of the jaws of death as the flames engulfed the structure around them.

      This usage of the idiom describes the heroic efforts of people to rescue others from near-certain death. In this example, the emergency responders went into a burning building in order to save the lives of others, despite the extreme danger posed by the fire.

    • After being shot in the chest during a drive-by shooting, the victim was left for dead, lying in a pool of his own blood. But just as the doctors were preparing his body for burial, he suddenly woke up and was pulled out of the jaws of death, much to the amazement of everyone involved.

      This use of the idiom describes a situation where someone is thought to be dead, but is revived or rescued in a miraculous way. In this example, the victim was declared clinically dead after being shot, but somehow managed to survive against all odds. It's a powerful image, depicting someone being rescued from the very jaws of death itself.

    • The firefighter charged into the burning building, unafraid and unflinching, determined to save as many lives as possible from the jaws of death.

      This use of the idiom depicts a person who is brave and selfless, going into harm's way in order to save others. In this example, the firefighter is portrayed as a heroic figure, risking his own life to save others from the danger of a burning building. It's a powerful image, showing the bravery and courage required to face death head-on in order to help others.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "out of the jaws of death" is used to depict a situation where someone has narrowly escaped a very dangerous or life-threatening situation. It can be used to emphasize the severity of the danger or the miraculous nature of the escape.

    This idiom is often used to convey the idea of a close call with death or a very risky situation. It is a vivid way to describe a narrow escape from danger, and it is often used in dramatic or intense situations.

    Origin of "Out of the jaws of death"

    The origin of the idiom "out of the jaws of death" can be traced back to the imagery of being rescued from the actual jaws of a predator, such as a lion or a crocodile. The phrase is a metaphorical way of describing a narrow escape from a life-threatening situation, drawing on the powerful and primal fear of being consumed by a dangerous animal. Over time, the phrase has been used more broadly to describe any situation where someone narrowly avoids death or grave danger. It is a vivid and evocative expression that effectively captures the intensity of a close call with death. Examples of this idiom can be found in literature and historical accounts, where it is used to convey the gravity and drama of a harrowing escape from mortal peril.