Cover your ass

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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 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
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