Correct Answer:
C. Narrowly
The idiom “by the skin of his teeth” means to succeed or escape by a very narrow margin, barely making it. It implies a close call or a near miss.
- Narrowly is the correct option because it perfectly captures the essence of the idiom, signifying a small margin or a close shave.
- Vastly means to a great extent or degree, which is the opposite of the idiom's meaning.
- Openly means publicly or without concealment, which is unrelated to the concept of a narrow escape.
Therefore, the phrase emphasizes a minimal difference between success and failure.