save one's skin
Avoid personal harm
To save one's skin is to escape danger or avoid punishment, often with the implication of self-preservation at any cost.
The phrase suggests doing whatever is necessary to protect oneself from harm, consequences, or blame: He testified against his partners to save his own skin.
Sometimes carries a whiff of cowardice or self-interest over loyalty.
- self-interestConcern for personal advantage
- every man for himselfChaotic self-interest declaration
- escape planStrategy for fleeing confinement
- run for the hillsUrgent retreat to safety
- self-defenseProtecting oneself from harm
caution · contingency plan · betrayal · throw under the bus · resourcefulness · vigilance · self-protection · watch your back · survival instinct · look out for number one · improvisation · abandon ship · adaptability · cowardice · self-reliance · cover your tracks · foresight · defensive behavior
save one's skinlay down one's life
Die to save others
self-sacrifice · fall on one's sword · risk one's neck · martyrdom · take one for the team
save one's skinstand one's ground
Refuse to back down
fight to the death · face the music · take a stand · hold the line · go down swinging
save one's skingive of oneself
Contribute personally to others
take the fall · take the blame · noble sacrifice · selfless act
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