A narrow escape from death; to barely survive a life-threatening situation.
山で遭難したが、九死に一生を得て救助された。
He got lost in the mountains but narrowly escaped death and was rescued.
車が横転する大事故だったが、乗っていた全員が九死に一生だった。
The car rolled over in a major accident, but everyone inside narrowly escaped with their lives.
手術中に合併症が起きたが、執刀医の対応で九死に一生を得た。
Complications arose during surgery, but thanks to the surgeon's response, the patient narrowly survived.