cover (one's) back
(redirected from covered my back)cover (one's) back
To act in order to avoid blame or responsibility for something or prevent oneself from experiencing negative consequences. I immediately covered my back by saying that I wasn't home when the puppy got out.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cover your back
BRITISH, AMERICAN orcover your ass
AMERICAN, RUDEIf you do something in order to cover your back, you do it in order to protect yourself, for example against criticism or against accusations of doing something wrong. He had covered his back by persuading Evans, chairman of their finance committee, to provide a written approval for the contract. Newspaper editors have to cover their backs against accusations of libel.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
cover your back
foresee and avoid the possibility of attack or criticism. informalFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
cover your ˈback
(informal) (American English also cover your ˈass taboo, slang) realize that you may be attacked or criticized for something later and make sure you avoid this: Cover your back by getting everything in writing. OPPOSITE: (lay/leave yourself) wide open (to something)Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017