belt and braces

American  

[belt uhn brey-siz] / ˈbɛlt ən ˈbreɪ sɪz /

Or belt-and-braces

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.

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belt-and-braces British  

adjective

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

   a belt-and-braces policy

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Etymology

Origin of belt and braces

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Increasing the risk level in the UK is a belt and braces measure which allows the government to plan for all future eventualities.”

From Reuters • Apr. 7, 2020

Team name An amalgamation of belt and braces: two insurance companies - Ag2R and La Mondiale.

From The Guardian • Jul. 1, 2015

Two systems, known as AWS and TPWS, act as a belt and braces arrangement to stop exactly this kind of incident from happening.

From BBC • May 11, 2015

But otherwise Bresnan, with the belt and braces of his batting, may retain his place with Finn making way for the return of Graeme Swann.

From The Guardian • Aug. 15, 2012

However, he peeled also, and by careful contrivance with belt and braces they bound their bundles on to their heads and stepped into the water.

From Maid of the Mist by Oxenham, John