Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

save-one's-own-skin

idiom
/seɪv wʌnz oʊn skɪn/
Definition
To protect oneself from harm, danger, or difficult situations, often at the expense of others.
Examples
  • In a tough negotiation, he only thought about saving his own skin rather than coming to a fair agreement.
  • During the emergency, she was focused on saving her own skin, which left her friends feeling abandoned.
Meaning
The phrase suggests prioritizing one’s own safety or well-being over that of others, typically in a time of crisis or conflict.
Synonyms
  • self-preservation
  • put oneself first
  • look out for oneself