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
Given the uncertainties, the smart move for a gardener is to play it safe.
—
Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Instead, play it safe and use pillows with medium firmness that work for a variety of sleeping positions.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024
This, Charlotte believes, will bring out the best in riders who might otherwise play it safe.
—Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Some charter yachts play it safe to appeal to all tastes and preferences.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for play it safe 
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Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2025
Instead, play it safe and use pillows with medium firmness that work for a variety of sleeping positions.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024
This, Charlotte believes, will bring out the best in riders who might otherwise play it safe.
—Jenn Nelson, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Some charter yachts play it safe to appeal to all tastes and preferences.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 27 Dec. 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 23 Feb. 2025.
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