thick skin: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  Worldwideinformalneutral
  • the quality of being emotionally resilient and not easily upset by criticism, insult, or adversity

  Examples

  Beta

  • After years of public speaking, she developed a thick skin and no longer worries about criticism.

    After years of public speaking, she developed emotional resilience and no longer worries about criticism.

  • You'll need a thick skin if you want to work in customer service, as complaints are common.

    You'll need emotional resilience to work in customer service, as complaints are common.

  • He didn't have a thick skin at first, but the constant feedback eventually made him tougher.

    He wasn't emotionally resilient at first, but the constant feedback eventually made him tougher.

• 2.

  Worldwideneutraltechnical
  • a literal physical condition in which the skin is unusually thick or coarse, as in certain animals or medical conditions

  Examples

  Beta

  • The rhinoceros has naturally thick skin that protects it from predators and harsh environments.

    The rhinoceros has literally thick or coarse skin that protects it from harm.

  • Patients with certain dermatological conditions develop unusually thick skin on their hands and feet.

    Patients with some medical conditions develop skin that is physically thick or coarse on their extremities.

  • The leather used for the boots is made from thick skin to ensure durability and protection.

    The leather used for the boots is made from physically thick animal skin to ensure durability.

  • Elephants have thick skin that helps regulate their body temperature and offers protection.

    Elephants have physically thick skin that helps regulate body temperature and offers protection.