have a thick hide

To have the ability to ignore verbal attacks or criticism from others. If you're going to pursue a career in politics, you need to have a thick hide so that the criticism of your detractors doesn't bother you. A: "Don't all the negative comments bother you?" B: "Nah, I have a pretty thick hide. I just write what makes me happy and ignore what other people say." You have to deal with rejection all the time in Hollywood, and you will not make it unless you have a thick hide.