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Origin of the phrase - 'No Skin Off My Nose'

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Dave Potts | 09:48 Thu 26th Feb 2004 | Phrases & Sayings
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Does anyone know the true origin of the phrase 'It's no skin off my nose?' While we're at it, how about 'by the skin of your teeth'? Ta
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The earliest-recorded written version of this appeared in Sinclair Lewis's 'Main Street' published in 1920 as "no skin off my ear". Since then, it has appeared as "no skin off my.....", with the dots standing for just about any part of the human body! The "nose" version first appeared in 1925. The answer to your question is probably, therefore, that Sinclair Lewis 'invented' it.
The Bible is the source of the 'teeth' saying. Click http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=1
9970429
for more detail.

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