Definition
To prioritize one's own safety and well-being, often at the expense of others in a dangerous or difficult situation.
When the company started laying off employees, the manager was only trying to save his own skin and did nothing for his team members.
During the fire, he was only trying to save his own skin, making no attempt to help anyone else.
When the scandal broke out, politicians were all trying to save their own skins and blaming each other.