保ほ身しん

noun

self-protection; self-preservation

Often implies protecting one's own position, interests, or reputation, sometimes with a negative nuance of selfishness or avoiding responsibility. Common in phrases like 保身に走る (to act out of self-preservation) and 保身のために (for self-protection).

• 彼かれは保ほ身しんのために真しん実じつを隠かくした。

  He hid the truth for self-preservation.

• 政せい治じ家かは保ほ身しんに走はしり、責せき任にんを取とらなかった。

  The politician acted out of self-protection and did not take responsibility.