保ほ身しんに走はしる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

act in self-preservation; save one's own skin

Describes prioritizing one's own safety, position, or interests, often at the expense of others or duty. Carries a negative nuance of selfishness or cowardice.

• 彼かれは責せき任にんを逃のがれて保ほ身しんに走はしった。

  He dodged responsibility and acted to save his own skin.

• 政せい治じ家かが保ほ身しんに走はしるのはよくあることだ。

  It's common for politicians to act in self-preservation.