Cover your back
verb phrase
To look out for your own safety or security, especially against unexpected danger or problems.
I always check my contracts twice, just to cover my back.
Often appears as...
- always cover your back
- need to cover your back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To do something to protect yourself from blame or trouble in the future.
He kept the emails as a way to cover his back in case there were questions later.
Often appears as...
- cover his back
- cover her back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To help or support someone, especially in a difficult situation.
I've got to go into the meeting now but can you cover my back if anyone asks where I am?
Often appears as...
- cover my back
- can you cover my back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To look out for your own safety or security, especially against unexpected danger or problems.
I always check my contracts twice, just to cover my back.
Often appears as...
- always cover your back
- need to cover your back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To do something to protect yourself from blame or trouble in the future.
He kept the emails as a way to cover his back in case there were questions later.
Often appears as...
- cover his back
- cover her back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To help or support someone, especially in a difficult situation.
I've got to go into the meeting now but can you cover my back if anyone asks where I am?
Often appears as...
- cover my back
- can you cover my back
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Check Twice
Double-checking details can be an effective strategy to cover your back.
Before submitting your work, review it to cover your back.
Pro Tip 2/3Anticipate Risks
Think about possible problems ahead of time and prepare to avoid them.
She saved copies of the report to cover her back.
Pro Tip 3/3Guard Against Surprises
Stay alert for unexpected situations that could cause you harm.
Learning the local laws helped me cover my back abroad.
Pro Tip 1/3Check Twice
Double-checking details can be an effective strategy to cover your back.
Before submitting your work, review it to cover your back.
Pro Tip 2/3Anticipate Risks
Think about possible problems ahead of time and prepare to avoid them.
She saved copies of the report to cover her back.
Pro Tip 3/3Guard Against Surprises
Stay alert for unexpected situations that could cause you harm.
Learning the local laws helped me cover my back abroad.
Pro Tip 1/3Check Twice
Double-checking details can be an effective strategy to cover your back.
Before submitting your work, review it to cover your back.
Pro Tip 2/3Anticipate Risks
Think about possible problems ahead of time and prepare to avoid them.
She saved copies of the report to cover her back.
Pro Tip 3/3Guard Against Surprises
Stay alert for unexpected situations that could cause you harm.
Learning the local laws helped me cover my back abroad.
Never forget "Cover your back"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension