What does “Have Skin in the Game” mean?

"Have Skin in the Game" means to have a personal stake or investment in a particular situation or outcome.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He's not just giving advice, he has skin in the game and stands to lose if things go wrong.

Example

The CEO has skin in the game and is committed to the success of the company.

Example

It's easy to criticize from the sidelines, but those who have skin in the game understand the challenges firsthand

Is “Have Skin in the Game” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Have Skin in the Game” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Have Skin in the Game” effectively in context?

You can use "Have Skin in the Game" to emphasize that someone has a personal stake or investment in a particular situation or outcome. It implies that they are not just an observer or advisor, but actively involved and affected by the outcome. For example, if someone is giving advice on a business decision, you might say, 'It's easy to give advice, but do you "have skin in the game"?' to question their level of commitment and personal investment.

1Investments
He's not just giving advice, he has skin in the game and stands to lose if things go wrong.
2Leadership
The CEO has skin in the game and is committed to the success of the company.
3Opinions
It's easy to criticize from the sidelines, but those who have skin in the game understand the challenges firsthand.

Similar phrases to “Have Skin in the Game”:

Put one's money where one's mouth is

To back up one's words with actions or financial commitment

Example

If you think it's a good investment, why don't you put your money where your mouth is?

Have a vested interest

To have a personal stake or interest in a particular outcome

Example

As a shareholder, I have a vested interest in the company's success.

Be invested

To have a personal stake or involvement in a situation

Example

She is fully invested in her career and works hard to achieve her goals.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Have Skin in the Game” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Have Skin in the Game" is unknown.

Is “Have Skin in the Game” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Have Skin in the Game" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used in business, finance, and leadership contexts to highlight the importance of personal investment and commitment.

What tone does “Have Skin in the Game” have?

"Have Skin in the Game" conveys a tone of seriousness and accountability. It suggests that someone is personally invested in a situation and willing to take responsibility for the outcome.

Can “Have Skin in the Game” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Have Skin in the Game" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in professional contexts to discuss personal investment and commitment. However, it can also be used in casual conversations to emphasize the importance of being personally involved.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's not just giving advice, he "has skin in the game".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Do you "have skin in the game"?' to question someone's level of commitment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be personally involved
be committed
have a stake
be accountable
be responsible

Antonyms

be detached
be uninvolved
have no stake
be indifferent
be disinterested