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Processed with VS1Explain when someone is personally affected, invested, or free from the outcome.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode explains expressions for having a personal stake in an outcome, and for something not affecting you personally.
Cultural note: “Skin in the game” is common in business and finance, but can apply more broadly. It is often used when discussing incentives or whether advice comes from someone who bears the consequences.
Keep exploringWhen a decision succeeds or fails, who feels the consequences? These expressions describe personal involvement—and when the outcome does not affect you.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about direct involvement and something at risk.
Meaning
Have a personal investment or something at stake in an outcome.
Tone & use
Common in business and finance, but also used more broadly. It can point to a real incentive or risk; explain what the person stands to gain or lose.
Example
“Because she invested her own savings in the café, she has skin in the game.”
Meaning
At risk of being lost or available to be gained.
Tone & use
A broadly useful phrase for important outcomes, including money, trust, time, or an opportunity.
Example
“With the final match at stake, the team stayed focused.”
Describe a situation that does not affect you directly.
Meaning
Have no personal stake or direct risk in a particular outcome.
Tone & use
Can be a neutral description or a criticism suggesting someone is detached. Be precise about whose interests are affected.
Example
“I have no skin in the game, so I’ll leave the final choice to the people who use the service.”
Meaning
Something makes little or no difference to you personally.
Tone & use
Informal. It can sound dismissive if the issue matters to someone else; use it carefully.
Example
“It’s no skin off my back if we meet online instead of in person.”
Use informal expressions without dismissing another person’s concerns.
Meaning
A variant of “no skin off my back”: something does not affect you personally.
Tone & use
Informal and less universal than “no skin off my back”; some speakers may find either wording more familiar.
Example
“It’s no skin off my nose which route we take, as long as we arrive on time.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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