play it safe

idiom

: to be careful and avoid risk or danger
I decided to play it safe and leave early so that I would be sure to arrive on time.

Examples of play it safe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many designers, and homeowners, play it safe with understated, and often uninspired, shades of white paired with wood details. Marta Sader, Architectural Digest, 2 Nov. 2024 Conversely, few candidates play it safe more than Vice President Harris. Ryan Craig, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 To play it safe, Lennon flushed it down the toilet — much to the disappointment of the well-meaning Smith. Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 12 Oct. 2024 For example, to play it safe for a traditional formal event, a crisp dark suit will do the trick. Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for play it safe 

Dictionary Entries Near play it safe

Cite this Entry

“Play it safe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/play%20it%20safe. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!