Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

on the safe side

Idioms  
  1. 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.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Matthew Martin of Oxford Economics added that business would likely "reduce their overall hiring to be on the safe side," until they see data pointing to rising demand or a stabilization in the economy.

From Barron's • Oct. 30, 2025

Just to be on the safe side, Takeo also has a bug-free menu.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2024

So to be on the safe side, it would be advisable to avoid raw milk products.

From Salon • Jun. 5, 2024

But in terms of shopping, he’d stick with zones 7 or 8 to be on the safe side for now.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2024

To be on the safe side, she ought to plant her uncooked pumpkin and mealie seeds.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "on the safe side" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com