save your skin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "save your skin" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to mean protecting oneself from danger or trouble, often in a figurative sense. Example: "In a situation like this, you need to think about how to save your skin before making any rash decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But this could save your skin in the long run.

The Guardian

Evans said to Bridger: "You will say any lie that you think will save your skin".

The Guardian

"It may take a bit longer, but it's worth the effort to save your skin".

The New York Times - Health

Or you can use it to save your skin in a place where no one speaks your language.

The New York Times - Tech

It can save your skin when you mess things up, since it allows you to back out of changes and to see what you have changed recently.

University of California, Berkeley

The key issue will be whether Trump went beyond his executive powers and acted "corruptly". But asking someone to lie to Congress to save your skin is a much more straightforward offense, for which there is no conceivable justification in the Constitution.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Everyone will know that you're frantically saving your skin, but they'll give you a pass anyway.

The Guardian - Opinion

You may also consult an excellent book on melanoma and other skin cancers, "Saving Your Skin" by Dr. Barney Kenet and Patricia Lawler, published in 1994.

The New York Times - Health

As a dermatologist and occasional sufferer of "winter itch" myself, I was delighted to read "Saving Your Skin When Winter Attacks" (Feb. 13).

The New York Times - Science

In those days, "knowing your audience" could mean saving your skin!

Forbes

And sometimes that beauty can get in the way of, basically, saving your skin from being nothing more than a tiny lifeless satellite barely worthy of a blip on the biggest radar.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "save your skin" when you want to convey a sense of urgency or self-preservation in a potentially risky or difficult situation.

Common error

Avoid using "save your skin" in contexts where literal skin protection is meant (e.g., sunburn). It's best used figuratively to describe escaping trouble or danger.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "save your skin" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically used as a verb phrase. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, highlighting its role in conveying self-preservation or escaping difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science & Research

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "save your skin" is a common idiom that signifies taking actions to protect oneself from danger or trouble. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. While suitable for general and news-related content, it may not be appropriate for strictly formal or academic writing where more direct language is preferred. As seen in Ludwig's examples, the phrase is versatile, applicable from personal situations to broader political scenarios, all centered around the core theme of self-preservation. Alternatives like "protect yourself" or "avoid trouble" can be used in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protect yourself

Focuses directly on self-preservation, omitting the colorful idiom.

preserve yourself

Implies a more long-term and careful approach to self-protection.

cover your back

Specifically emphasizes preventing potential problems or attacks from behind.

avoid trouble

Highlights staying out of problematic situations to remain safe.

escape danger

Implies a need to flee from immediate threat or peril.

ensure survival

Emphasizes ensuring one's continued existence, especially in dire circumstances.

safeguard yourself

Formal and suggests active protection from potential threats.

dodge a bullet

Idiomatic and implies narrowly avoiding a dangerous situation.

get out of harm's way

Focuses on removing oneself from a place or situation that poses a risk.

look out for number one

Emphasizes prioritizing one's own well-being above all else.

FAQs

How can I use "save your skin" in a sentence?

You can use "save your skin" to describe actions taken to protect oneself from danger or negative consequences. For example: "He lied to "save his skin"."

What is a less idiomatic alternative to "save your skin"?

Alternatives to "save your skin" include "protect yourself", "avoid trouble", or "ensure survival", depending on the specific context.

Is "save your skin" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "save your skin" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using a more direct phrase like "mitigate risk" or "protect oneself".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "save your skin"?

It's best to avoid using "save your skin" in situations where literal skin health is the topic. For instance, when discussing sunburn prevention, use terms related to sun protection rather than the idiomatic phrase.