play it safe

VERB

be cautious

Synonyms

WEAK

avoid risk be on the safe side hedge one's bets take no chances take precautions

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.

The German outfit have decided not to play it safe in their first campaign and have designed and built an in-house power unit.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Under Armour was accidentally ahead of its time, then lost its nerve and tried to play it safe.

From Slate • Nov. 15, 2025

But does the same thing apply to the customers who prefer to play it safe, those fixed-income investors?

From Barron's • Oct. 9, 2025

They can either play it safe and pick an old favorite, or take a chance on something new.

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

Most people had probably decided to play it safe with the weather and stay indoors.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman