skin in the game

Attributed by some to Warren Buffett, but Buffett "refuses all responsibility for the viral spread" of the phrase. [1]

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skin in the game (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic) A stake; something at risk, especially with regard to money and investments.
   • 1912 April 20, Tantalus, “Social Prattle”, in Town Talk‎, San Francisco: Pacific Publication Company, page 14:

     She didn't play polo, though she seemed crazy for a chance. She was very insistent while the men refused to let her hazard her skin in the game, but when they finally consented she was attacked by what the vulgar call "cold feet" and renigged.

   • 1988 April 4, Alan Alper, “Inertia often stifles new technology”, in Computerworld‎, volume xxii, number 14, page 67:

     Companies must obtain accountability across all business functions if they are to harvest the fruits of technology. "Let everyone have skin in the game", Rogow said.

   • 1991 August 26, Edmund Faltermayer, “The Deal Decade: Verdict on the 80's”, in Fortune‎, page 58-70:

     Says Bergsma: "We were flooded with financial types who didn't have their own skin in the game"

   • 1992 June 18, Associated Press, “Perot's campaign is wary of fund-raising operations”, in The Sun‎, San Bernardino, CA, page 22:

     [Ross] Perot has told people they can send $5 if they want to have "some skin in the game" but he does not actively solicit contributions and says he will finance his own campaign.

• no skin off one's nose
• no skin off one's back