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safe
safe bet
1. Something that is certain to occur. Based on his grades, it's a pretty safe bet that Harry won't be able to graduate on time.
2. A person or thing that is certain to be good or successful. The department felt that she was a safe bet for the account manager position.
safe pair of hands
A trustworthy and competent person. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. That struggling company really needs a leader who is a safe pair of hands and can make some positive changes.
be as safe as houses
To be protected. The phrase alludes to the idea of "home" as a safe haven or shelter. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I locked your jewelry in a drawer, so it's as safe as houses.
be in safe hands
To be cared for by a responsible or trustworthy person or group. I just got recertified in first aid, so your kids are in safe hands with me. I thought our retirement fund was in safe hands—until our broker fled the country in disgrace!
NSFW
An abbreviation for "not safe/suitable for work." It typically accompanies online posts, articles, or videos that might be considered racy or otherwise inappropriate in the workplace. Unless you want the boss to yell at you, don't click on that link that says "NSFW."
not safe for work
A phrase (often abbreviated as "NSFW") that typically accompanies online posts, articles, or videos that might be considered racy or otherwise inappropriate in the workplace.
safe space
A place where one will not encounter mistreatment, discrimination, and, in some cases, words or activities that could trigger reminders of past psychological trauma. The campus needs a safe space for the LGBTQ community. Is there a safe space for trauma victims to go after that lecture on human trafficking?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
safe and sound
not hurt After three days of searching for them, the hikers were found safe and sound.
(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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 safebetter safe than sorry
Being careful may avoid disaster, as in I'm not taking any short-cuts-better safe than sorry. This cautionary phrase appeared as better sure than sorry in 1837.
in good hands
In competent or safe care. For example, I know the children are in good hands when they visit my mother. The term good hand has been used in the sense of "skill" or "ability" since the late 1300s.
on the safe side
Avoiding danger, with a margin for error, as in Just to be on the safe side, let's order another hundred chairs. This idiom was first recorded in 1811.
play it safe
Also, play safe. Avoid extreme risks, as in I played it safe and bet only a dollar, or Let's play safe and get a backup in case the announced speaker gets sick. [c. 1900]
safe and sound
Out of danger and unharmed, as in It was a challenging climb, so I'm relieved they got home safe and sound. [c. 1300]
safe as houses
Totally secure, as in If you buy Treasury bonds, your money will be safe as houses but you won't get a large return . In today's security-conscious climate, where alarm systems to deter housebreaks have become increasingly common, this simile may seem puzzling. Presumably it uses house in the sense of "a shelter from the elements." [Late 1800s]
on the safe side
mod. taking the risk-free path. Let’s be on the safe side and call first.
Common Names:
| Name | Gender | Pronounced | Usage |
|---|
| ÉIbhir | | - | Irish |
| Shad (2) | | SHAD | English |
| Shyla | | - | English (Modern) |
| Trevino | | [trə'vi:nəu] | |
| Anselm | | AHN-zelm (German), AN-selm (English) | German, English (Rare), Ancient Germanic |
| Roscoe | | RAHS-ko | English |