<P> To have "skin in the game" is to have incurred risk (monetary or otherwise) by being involved in achieving a goal . </P> <P> In the phrase, "skin" is a synecdoche for the person involved, and "game" is the metaphor for actions on the field of play under discussion . The aphorism is particularly common in business, finance, and gambling, and is also used in politics . </P> <P> The origin of the phrase is unknown . </P> <P> It has commonly been attributed to Warren Buffett, referring to his own investment in his initial fund . However, William Safire refutes Buffett as the source of the phrase, pointing to earlier instances . </P>

Where does the expression skin in the game come from