Cover your ass

"Cover your ass" (often abbreviated as CYA) is an informal phrase that refers to actions taken to protect oneself from potential blame, criticism, or legal liability in a professional or personal context. It often involves being careful with communication, documentation, and decision-making to ensure that one has a defense in case something goes wrong. This can include keeping records of important conversations, clarifying roles and responsibilities, or making sure that decisions are well-documented to avoid misunderstandings or negative consequences later.