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Synonyms

play it safe

Idioms  

  1. Also, play safe. Avoid extreme risks, as in I played it safe and bet only a dollar, or Let's play safe and get a backup in case the announced speaker gets sick. [c. 1900]

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.

The German outfit have decided not to play it safe in their first campaign and have designed and built an in-house power unit.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

"I wanted to play it safe because I know hopefully in a few weeks I'll have to go again."

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 2026

They can play it safe and schedule easy and back right in.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

They can either play it safe and pick an old favorite, or take a chance on something new.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

“I saw you go into that fire on the floating island. I seen you give up rations so the crew could have more. Some folks, knowin’ when they’re gonna kick it, might play it safe.

From "The Reader" by Traci Chee

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.