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
Stained with turmeric and run through with heavy-handed additions of dairy, these potatoes don’t play it safe.
—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Some lauded Coppola for his ambition and refusal to play it safe, but the praise was exceeded by criticism, with the movie being called incoherent and self-indulgent.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Or, play it safe and schedule an upholstery cleaning with the professionals.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
If any of the above descriptions match the state of your gasoline, play it safe and dispose of it appropriately.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for play it safe
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The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025
Some lauded Coppola for his ambition and refusal to play it safe, but the praise was exceeded by criticism, with the movie being called incoherent and self-indulgent.
—Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Or, play it safe and schedule an upholstery cleaning with the professionals.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
If any of the above descriptions match the state of your gasoline, play it safe and dispose of it appropriately.
—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 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 3 Dec. 2025.
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