身みをさらす

Meanings

1

expression, godan verb (-su)

expose oneself; put oneself in harm's way

Used when someone deliberately or unavoidably places themselves in a dangerous, risky, or vulnerable situation. Often followed by phrases like 危険に (to danger) or 非難に (to criticism).

Written forms

身みをさらす
Kana spelling of the verb part is common; the kanji 晒す or 曝す may also be used.
身みを晒さらす
Kanji spelling using 晒す, which carries a nuance of exposing to the elements or public view.
身みを曝さらす
Kanji spelling using 曝す, which can emphasize exposure to harsh conditions or danger.

Kanji

身somebody, person, one's station in life
曝bleach, refine, expose
晒bleach, refine, expose

Similar words

晒さらす
さらす alone means 'to expose' or 'to bleach' and can be used with various objects. 身をさらす is a fixed expression specifically meaning 'to expose oneself (to danger/criticism)'.
身みを挺ていする
身を挺する also means 'to risk oneself' but often implies a more active, self-sacrificial action for someone else's sake, while 身をさらす focuses on the state of being exposed to harm.

Etymology

Compound of 身 (body, oneself) + を + さらす (expose). The verb さらす originally meant 'to expose to sun/rain' and extended to abstract exposure.