Skin in the game, translated

"Skin in the game" means having a direct stake in an outcome, especially when money or another meaningful consequence is involved. Cambridge and Collins agree on the core idea: the person is affected by how the result turns out.

In a meeting, "We need more skin in the game" can be a request for shared responsibility. The phrase can also ask who will carry the downside if the plan fails. The wording sounds sharper than "please own a measurable part of this," which is why the phrase survives so many agendas.

A clearer sentence names the stake: Jordan will own the checkout pilot, spend up to $2,000, and post the conversion result by Friday. The sentence gives the work, the exposure, and the date. The metaphor can start the discussion. The owner, limit, test, and date make the discussion usable.

Sources: 1 and 2.