hedging one's bets

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ADJECTIVE

cautious

Synonyms

STRONGEST

circumspect discreet judicious leery prudent tentative vigilant wary watchful

STRONG

alert safe

WEAK

all ears cagey calculating chary considerate forethoughtful gingerly heedful keeping on one's toes on the lookout playing it cool playing safe politic provident pussyfoot shrewd taking it easy taking it slow thinking twice walking on eggs watching one's step watching out with one's eyes peeled

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless certain foolish inattentive incautious indiscreet negligent rash reckless sure thoughtless uncareful unwise

WEAK

hasty heedless imprudent unguarded unobservant

ADJECTIVE

prudent

Synonyms

STRONGEST

careful cautious discreet economical frugal judicious reasonable sane shrewd vigilant

WEAK

advisable canny circumspect discerning far-sighted judgmatic leery playing safe politic provident sagacious sage sapient sound sparing tactical thinking twice thrifty wary

Antonyms

STRONGEST

careless expensive foolish hasty inattentive incautious indiscreet nonsensical rash reckless stupid thoughtless uncareful uneconomical unreasonable wasteful

WEAK

imprudent unwise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

hedging one's bets

Shifting political fortunes ensured a policy of "hedging one's bets".

From Terrorists and Freedom Fighters by Vaknin, Samuel