security blanket

American  

noun

1. a blanket or other familiar item carried especially by a young child to provide reassurance and a feeling of psychological security.

2. someone or something that gives a person a sense of protection or a feeling of security.

   His wealthy uncle is his security blanket.

---

security blanket British  

noun

1. a policy of temporary secrecy by police or those in charge of security, in order to protect a person, place, etc, threatened with danger, from further risk

2. a baby's blanket, soft toy, etc, to which a baby or young child becomes very attached, using it as a comforter

3. informal  anything used or thought of as providing reassurance

---

security blanket Idioms  

1. Something that dispels anxiety, as in I always carry my appointments calendar; it's my security blanket. This colloquial term, dating from about 1960, was at first (and still is) used for the blanket or toy or other object held by a young child to reduce anxiety.

---

Etymology

Origin of security blanket

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Russian aggression to the east, and a United States less keen on providing the west with a security blanket, have focused minds - and budgets - on Europe's military needs.

From BBC

American presidents going back to Dwight D. Eisenhower in the late 1950s have complained, with good reason, about Europeans getting a free ride from the US security blanket over Europe.

From BBC

Endries emerged as a reliable security blanket for Harris, who targeted him throughout the game.

From Los Angeles Times

“True security blanket. He’s someone I can go to at any moment and he’s going to make a big play happen.”

From Los Angeles Times

They act as a filing system, inspiration and even a security blanket, but when the case is solved, Preston asks: “Why would she need the totes anymore?”

From Los Angeles Times