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

That level of exposure comes at a cost; being so open means inviting opinion and criticism, and Laing knows that "you have to have thick skin if you're going to do this".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

An actor for almost four decades, Lillard says he has built up a thick skin, but the comments were hurtful.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 25, 2026

Weiss said she has thick skin and believes there are a lot of people at CBS “who want to do what I want to do, and that’s win.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

He has two years left in his term, he’s not running for reelection, he’s not eyeing anything, and he has unusually thick skin.

From Slate • Feb. 15, 2025

I told him I had a pretty thick skin and, besides, what was a friend for if not to be blown up at every now and then.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok