Idiom: (just) to be on the safe side
Meaning
Idiom: (just to) be on the safe side
- doing something to prevent an unwanted outcome
- being careful or cautious
Example sentences
— To be on the safe side, let’s leave an hour early so we don’t miss the start of the game.
— You might be hungry later—at least bring a sandwich or a banana just to be on the safe side.
— I wish we had been on the safe side and had only promised we could deliver four trainings instead of fourteen!
— I wanted to be on the safe side and didn't ask for a higher salary because I was afraid. That was a big mistake.
— To be on the safe side, we should leave for the airport four hours before our flight.
— People who achieve great things in life are rarely on the safe side.
— If you're vegan, I wouldn't recommend you eat that soup just to be on the safe side.
— We're staying home during this pandemic just to be on the safe side since my grandmother lives with us.
— Set the table for six just to be on the safe side. I think Sharon's boyfriend is joining us.
— Please exchange some of your money into euros and British pounds before your trip just to be on the safe side.
— I'm packing my dress for the wedding in my carry-on bag just to be on the safe side.
— Next time, I'll be on the safe side and get my teeth cleaned every three months instead of every six months.
— Let's meet at 6:30 pm to be on the safe side. I get off work at 5:00pm but sometimes my boss gives me last-minute assignments.
— Next semester we need to hire a substitute teacher just to be on the safe side.
— I'd rather get the COVID vaccine to be on the safe side. There's always a risk but at this point almost every death is someone who is unvaccinated.
Synonyms
- play it safe
- cover all bases
- not push your luck
- hedge your bets
- not take any chances
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