1068 Skin in the game - English Idioms

Explanation

Having a personal stake, investment (often financial), or risk involved in a particular venture or situation.
Implies that the person has something tangible to lose, thus increasing their commitment and aligning their interests with the outcome.

Origin

Popularized by investor Warren Buffett, although variations existed earlier.
The skin represents one's own self, assets, or reputation being directly involved and at risk.
It contrasts with having only an advisory or theoretical interest.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Have your ass on the line
Be all in
Put your money where your mouth is
Have your neck on the line

Vulgar/Emphatic:

Have your own fucking money tied up in it
Have your balls on the line (crude)

Milder/Formal:

Have a vested interest
Be personally invested
Bear personal risk
Have a direct stake
Demonstrate commitment through personal investment

Situational Appropriateness

Common in business, finance, politics, and project management contexts.
Can be used informally but carries a business-like or strategic connotation.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The literal image of skin can be confusing. Learners need to understand it metaphorically represents personal risk, investment, or stake.

Examples

Investors prefer founders who have significant skin in the game.
As a homeowner in the neighborhood, I have skin in the game regarding the new development project.
Employees with stock options have more skin in the game.

Dialogue

Investor 1: I'm considering investing in that tech startup.

Investor 2: Have you checked how much of their own capital the founders have put in?

Investor 1: Not yet, why?

Investor 2: You want to see they have serious skin in the game. It makes them more accountable.

Response Patterns

Acknowledgment: That makes sense, it shows commitment. / Good point.
Inquiry: How much skin in the game do they actually have? / What form does their skin in the game take? (e.g., money, time, reputation)
Defense (if accused of lacking it): I *do* have skin in the game! My career depends on this!

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

Discussing the nature and extent of the skin (investment/risk).
Evaluating whether the amount of skin is sufficient to ensure commitment.
Considering the motivations of people with versus without skin in the game.

Conversation Starter

No. Specific to discussions about commitment, investment, risk, and motivation in projects or ventures.

Intonation

Emphasis usually on SKIN. It's important they have SKIN in the game.

Generation Differences

More common among professionals and those familiar with business/investment jargon, but increasingly understood more broadly.

Regional Variations

Widely used in North American business contexts, and increasingly understood globally in similar fields.

See eye to eye

🎲 Sweet tooth

[1068] Skin in the game