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

Derived Forms

• safety-net
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of safety net

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Home insurers pitch policies as a peace-of-mind financial safety net.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026

It prompts me to be less attentive, because I perceive the notetaker as a safety net.

From Slate • May 24, 2026

Instead, it would be far wiser for policymakers to focus on directly strengthening the social safety net, so every patient has equitable access to treatments without financial hardship.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

How many children were left without a safety net in the time we dilly dallied and worried about tech bosses?

From BBC • May 12, 2026

He speeds off down the street, taking my family’s safety net with him.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas