A four-character idiom meaning a narrow escape from death; essentially the same as '九死に一生', often seen in written usage.
戦場で九死一生の体験をしたと語る老兵の話は重々しい。
The stories of the veteran who experienced a narrow escape on the battlefield are weighty.
事故のあと、彼は九死一生で命が助かったと語った。
After the accident he said he had been given a narrow lease on life.