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
The Lakers took a six-point lead with 1:51 remaining, but surrendered two fairly easy buckets down the stretch, appearing content to play it safe and not foul.
—
Eric Koreen, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
While many nominees often play it safe on the red carpet, Deadwyler is a consistent standout.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
The perpetual challenge, as Isidora, a filmmaker stuck in the role of production assistant, knows, is not to play it safe.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
And while there’s an elegance to a simple hug or a wink, contestants who play it safe risk not making a strong impression in a crowded field.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play it safe
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Eric Koreen, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
While many nominees often play it safe on the red carpet, Deadwyler is a consistent standout.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025
The perpetual challenge, as Isidora, a filmmaker stuck in the role of production assistant, knows, is not to play it safe.
—Sara Holdren, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
And while there’s an elegance to a simple hug or a wink, contestants who play it safe risk not making a strong impression in a crowded field.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 12 Apr. 2025.
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