cover (one's) ass

Related to cover (one's) ass: exculpation
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cover (one's) ass

rude slang To act in order to avoid blame or responsibility for something or prevent oneself from experiencing negative consequences. I immediately covered my ass by saying that I wasn't home when the puppy got out. Politicians don't care about the outcome of the vote, they just care about covering their asses.
See also: ass, cover
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

cover one's ass

Also, cover one's hide or oneself . Make excuses or otherwise take action to avoid being blamed, punished, or harmed. For example, The first thing you learn in the army is to cover your ass, or Jane is ingenious at finding ways to cover her hide. The first phrase, considered vulgar slang, dates from the 1960s; the variants are more polite.
See also: ass, cover
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

cover your ass

take steps to protect yourself.
See also: ass, cover
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

Cover your ass

and CYA
sent. & comp. abb. Do what is necessary to protect yourself from discovery or criticism. (Usually objectionable.) CYA when the shit hits the fan.
See also: ass, cover
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

cover (one's) ass

Vulgar Slang To take measures to avoid being held responsible if something goes wrong.
See also: ass, cover
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
  • wash hands of
  • wash one's hands of
  • wash your hands of
  • wash your hands of somebody/something
  • wash your hands of something/someone
  • kick (oneself) for (doing something)
  • reproach (someone or something) with (something)
  • reproach with
  • keep sight of somebody/something