thick skin

Idioms  

1. Insensitivity to criticism or insult, as in You can tell him exactly what you think of his new piece; unlike most composers he has a thick skin. This term transfers an impervious outer coating to mental or emotional toughness. [Mid-1500s]

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Example Sentences

"In some ways I have a very thick skin," she says.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

But sellers who invite critiques of their listings on the online platform need a thick skin.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

Notably, stick-to-itiveness isn’t the same as thick skin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

“Fun, very fun,” Dent laughed, acknowledging that, yes, “absolutely” players have to have some thick skin if they’re going to play for Cronin.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2026

To do this job well you had to be fearless, know how to talk to people, have thick skin and a high tolerance for stress.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover