(it's) better (to be) safe than sorry
phrase
—used to say that it is better to be careful now so that problems do not occur later on
It's probably not necessary to check the figures again, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Cite this Entry
“(it's) better (to be) safe than sorry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28it%27s%29%20better%20%28to%20be%29%20safe%20than%20sorry. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
