jaws of death
Mortal danger's grip
Jaws of death is a dramatic phrase for imminent mortal danger or the moment just before death claims someone.
The image is of death as a predator with gaping jaws ready to devour: The medics snatched him from the jaws of death.
The expression appears in Shakespeare and remains current, though often used with deliberate dramatic flair.
- close shaveNarrow escape from harm
- mawGaping hungry opening
- belly of the beastCenter of hostile territory
- perilSerious threat of harm
- fangsSharp piercing teeth
catastrophe · trap · snare · lion's den · jaw · doom · extinction · clutches · ambush · desperation · terror · brink · point of no return · dread · abyss · razor's edge · jeopardy · precipice
jaws of deathsafety
Freedom from harm
security · sanctuary · safe haven · refuge · protection
jaws of deathrescue
Save from harm
deliverance · breath of life · salvation · reprieve · liberation
jaws of deathray of hope
Small cause for optimism
salvation · deliverance · new lease on life · second chance · escape
jaws, jawed, jawing, jawbone, jawbones, death, deaths, deathly, dead