safe

Better (be) safe than sorry.

Prov. Cliché You should be cautious—if you are not, you may regret it. It may be time-consuming to check the oil in your car every time you buy gasoline, but better safe than sorry. Bob: I don't need a tetanus shot just because I stepped on a nail. Mary: I still think you should get one. Better be safe than sorry.

See also: better, sorry

Have a safe trip. and Have a safe journey.

I hope that your journey is safe.; Be careful and assure that your journey is safe. (Said as someone is about to leave for a trip.) Bill: Well, we're off for London. Sally: Have a safe trip. Bill: You're driving all the way to San Francisco? Bob: Yes, indeed. Bill: Well, have a safe trip.

See also: have, trip

in good hands

Fig. in the safe, competent care of someone. Don't worry. Your children are in good hands. Sally is an experienced baby-sitter. Your car is in good hands. My mechanics are factory-trained.

See also: good, hand

on the safe side

Fig. taking the risk-free path. Let's be on the safe side and call first. I think you should stay on the safe side and call the doctor about this fever.

See also: side

play it safe

to be or act safe; to avoid taking a risk. You should play it safe and take your umbrella. If you have a cold or the flu, play it safe and go to bed.

See also: play

safe and sound

unharmed and whole or healthy. It was a rough trip, but we got there safe and sound. I'm glad to see you here safe and sound.

See also: and, sound

to be on the safe side

to be safe; to be cautious; [to do something just] in case it is necessary; to be very well prepared. To be on the safe side, carry some extra money in your shoe. I like to be on the safe side and stay in my hotel room at night.

See also: side

to be safe

to be cautious; to be careful; [to do something just] in case it is necessary; to be very well prepared. Just to be safe, you should take some extra water with you. Other people like to drive over the speed limit, but I prefer to be safe.

Your secret is safe with me.

I will not tell your secret to anyone. Don't worry. I won't tell. Your secret's safe with me. Your secret is safe with me. I will carry it to my grave.

See also: secret

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a safe bet  (British, American & Australian) also a sure bet (American)

1. something that you are certain will happen It's a safe bet that those two will settle down and have children. Wheeler is a sure bet for a place on the team.

2. someone or something that you are certain will win or succeed She is still a safe bet for re-election. Simplicity of design is a sure bet in the fashion world.

See also: bet

a safe pair of hands  (British & Australian)

someone who you can trust to do an important job well without making mistakes He's what this troubled club needs, a good, solid manager, a safe pair of hands.

See also: hand, pair

be as safe as houses  (British & Australian)

to be very safe Don't worry, I've locked your bicycle in the shed - it's as safe as houses.

See also: house

be in safe hands

if someone or something is in safe hands, they are being looked after by someone who can be trusted I know my daughter's in safe hands at the nursery.

See also: hand

Better (to be) safe than sorry.

something that you say which means it is best not to take risks even if it seems boring or hard work to be careful I'll hold the ladder while you climb up. Better safe than sorry.

See also: better, sorry

play (it) safe  (informal)

to be careful and not take risks We decided to play safe and paint the walls a fairly neutral colour. They're playing it safe by not investing too much money until they've seen the first year's accounts.

See also: play

safe and sound

if you are safe and sound, you are not harmed in any way, although you were in a dangerous situation It was a difficult drive but we all arrived safe and sound.

See also: and, sound

to be on the safe side

if you do something to be on the safe side, you do something that may not be necessary in order to protect yourself against possible problems I don't think there are any broken bones, but you should have an X-ray just to be on the safe side.

See a safe bet, Better safe than sorry, play safe

See also: side

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(just) to be on the safe side

so that you can prevent something unpleasant from happening Just to be on the safe side, ask your doctor to test your iron levels.

See also: side

better safe than sorry (spoken)

being careful is probably more desirable than risking a bad result Concerned about the attacks, he sent his son out of the village, figuring, better safe than sorry.

See also: better, sorry

in good hands also in safe hands

managed or cared for with great attention I'm just glad to know that our money's in such good hands. Nothing gives parents greater comfort than knowing their children are in safe hands.

See also: good, hand

play it safe

to avoid any risk I like to play it safe with my investments. Once you have the ball, you can decide whether you want to be aggressive or play it safe.

See also: play

safe and sound

not hurt After three days of searching for them, the hikers were found safe and sound.

See also: and, sound