italki - What does "cover his downside - or his backside" mean in the following? On the other hand, a 25-year

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Haru

What does "cover his downside - or his backside" mean in the following? On the other hand, a 25-year-old who is saving for his wedding and a house down payment would be out of his mind to put all his money in stocks. If the stock market takes an Acapulco high dive, he will have no bond income to cover his downside - or his backside.

Nov 4, 2023 4:17 AM

Answers · 7

You wouldn’t say downside, just cover

November 4, 2023

The advice is grammatically correct, though financially dubious. To cover your downside - have backup plans if the stock market drops To cover your backside - to prevent receiving criticism. Presumably the woman he’s planning to marry would get angry if the wedding is postponed and he can’t buy a house. This is a politer version of a slightly vulgar expression.

November 4, 2023

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