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

We also have $200,000 in cash as a safety net.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

The rest goes to jewellery or serves as a safety net and financial asset.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said the new national £1bn Crisis and Resilience fund will act as a "genuine safety net helping to prevent families from falling into crises".

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

This new reality undermines LNG’s longtime reputation as a geopolitical safety net.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

“I have the most amazing safety net a person could have,” he said, “incredible, loving, involved, and wealthy parents.”

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times