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

• safety-net adjective

Etymology

Origin of safety net

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

A mix of government pensions, food handouts and subsidized housing provides an ever-more tattered safety net.

From Los Angeles Times

Three of the six skiers who took to the downhill slope in the Swiss resort ended up in the safety nets, after which organisers decided that enough was enough.

From Barron's

"A stronger safety net is also needed for those who simply can't afford these bill rises," said its chief executive, Mike Keil.

From BBC

While the government has worked to strengthen the social safety net over the years, China’s spending on such programs still lags behind many large economies.

From The Wall Street Journal

One of his reasons for creating a safety net for Olympic athletes was that it rewarded human excellence without any political strings attached.

From The Wall Street Journal