cover someone's ass

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

Verb

cover someone's ass

1. (Canada, US, idiomatic) To make preparations or take precautions to ensure that a person is not blamed or punished for his or her conduct.
   • 2004, Jim Drinkard and Dave Moniz, "Secretary: Memos are forgeries," USA Today, 14 Sep.,

     Killian kept the files because "he was trying to cover his ass," Via said. "He was always worried something would come back on him."

Usage notes

Usually used reflexively (cover one's ass)

Derived terms

• CYA

Translations

ensure that a person is not blamed or punished

• Hebrew: לכסות תחת (lekhasot takhat)
• Italian: pararsi il culo
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Spanish: cubrirse las espaldas, cuidarse el pellejo

References

• "cover one's ass" at OneLook® Dictionary Search.