belt and braces

or belt-and-brac·es

[ belt uhn brey-siz ]

adjective

, British

1. relating to or using two or more measures to ensure success:

   The doctor favored a belt-and-braces approach to retinal surgery, using both laser welding and mechanical techniques to secure the retina.

belt-and-braces

adjective

1. providing double security, in case one security measure should fail

   a belt-and-braces policy

Word History and Origins

Origin of belt and braces¹

First recorded in 1950–55