covering your ass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "covering your ass" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in informal contexts to describe actions taken to protect oneself from criticism or blame. Example: "He made sure to document everything, covering his ass in case the project didn't go as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

You don't want to begin by putting distance, because then it looks like you're covering your ass.

The New Yorker

The basic problem with this is that it's fertile ground for the hallowed military tradition of CYA – covering your ass.

The Guardian - Opinion

You don't do this stuff without covering your ass.

Huffington Post

"Do you know what covering your ass means?

Vice

Of course you feel bad! 3. Covering your ass: These lies are about trying to cover something up so that we don't get into trouble.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Start by covering your butt!

WikiHow

In some countries this means covering your boob and ass cracks.

Huffington Post

Follow her on TwItter and on her wassite.

Vice

Just cover your ass.

Huffington Post

Try covering your books.

WikiHow

Avoid covering your head.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "covering your ass", consider your audience. It's generally best suited for informal conversations or writing. In formal contexts, opt for more professional alternatives such as "taking precautions" or "mitigating risk."

Common error

Avoid using "covering your ass" in formal or professional writing. It can be perceived as unprofessional or disrespectful. Instead, choose phrases like "ensuring compliance" or "implementing safeguards".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "covering your ass" functions as an idiomatic expression. It's primarily used as a colloquial way to describe actions taken to avoid blame or negative consequences, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

14%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "covering your ass" is an idiom used to describe actions taken to protect oneself from blame or criticism. While grammatically correct, its informal nature makes it unsuitable for formal or professional contexts. Ludwig examples show its common usage in news and media, but alternatives like "taking precautions" or "mitigating risk" are recommended for more formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and its typical application in informal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

CYA

An abbreviation of "cover your ass", mainly used in professional environments.

protecting yourself

A more formal and direct way of expressing the same idea.

shielding yourself

Emphasizes the act of defense against potential harm or criticism.

safeguarding yourself

A more general term for ensuring your own safety and security.

insulating yourself

Suggests creating a barrier to avoid negative impacts.

taking precautions

Focuses on proactive measures taken to prevent problems.

hedging your bets

Implies spreading risk to minimize potential losses.

covering all bases

Indicates thorough preparation to avoid any oversight.

avoiding liability

Highlights the legal or financial aspects of protecting oneself.

mitigating risk

Focuses on reducing the probability or impact of negative events.

FAQs

What does the idiom "covering your ass" mean?

The idiom "covering your ass" means taking actions to protect yourself from potential blame, criticism, or negative consequences. It implies a defensive strategy to avoid problems.

Is "covering your ass" appropriate for formal writing?

No, "covering your ass" is generally not appropriate for formal writing. It's better suited for informal conversations. Use alternatives like "taking precautions" or "mitigating risk" in formal contexts.

What are some alternative phrases for "covering your ass"?

Some alternative phrases for "covering your ass" include "protecting yourself", "shielding yourself", "taking precautions", and "mitigating risk".

How can I use "covering your ass" in a sentence?

You can use "covering your ass" in a sentence like this: "He documented every step of the process, "covering his ass" in case something went wrong."