safety net

American  

noun

1. a large net rigged between a person, as a trapeze performer, and the ground as protection in a fall.

2. something that provides a margin of protection or security.

   the safety net of federal credit for financial institutions.

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safety net British  

noun

1. a net used in a circus to catch high-wire and trapeze artistes if they fall

2. any means of protection from hardship or loss, such as insurance

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• safety-net
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of safety net

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

The authority is due to expire on June 12 unless Congress acts, although the program has a legal safety net that could allow some operations to continue under existing court certifications.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

These med-à-terres are a safety net for seniors who are finding that, while they can export wealth, they can’t easily duplicate relationships with top-tier oncologists or cardiologists.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

By stripping away that maturity safety net, the ETF wrapper can leave investors with continuous exposure to interest-rate volatility and turn what’s designed to be an inflation shield into a more speculative market trade.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

A safety net against water pollution is widening across the country thanks to a growing army of fly-counting volunteers.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

This story is the safety net above which he swoops and dives like a brilliant clown in a bankrupt circus.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy