cover all the/your bases

cover all bases

To be well-prepared for every possible outcome. We need to cover all bases here—check every office and make sure it's been evacuated. I know I don't have the best grades, so I covered all bases by applying to 15 colleges. We have to be sure to cover all bases before the trial begins so that we aren't surprised by anything the prosecution throws our way.

See also: all, bases, cover

cover all the bases

To account for or provide a way to address every possible outcome, scenario, contingency, etc. We need to cover all the bases here—the investigation should explore every avenue. I covered all the bases by applying to 15 colleges. I'm worried that undercover cops are sniffing around now, so, to cover all the bases, don't talk to anyone you don't know.

See also: all, bases, cover

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cover all the/your ˈbases

(especially American English) consider and deal with all the things that could happen or could be needed when you are arranging something: Are you sure we covered all our bases on this? ♢ We cover all the bases from creating a market for your business through closing the sale.

See also: all, bases, cover

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017