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
Well, newsflash: while major labels continue to play it safe, stacking their decks with tried and true formulas, the digital domain has democratized the music industry.
—
Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2024
However, Bumble is a high-quality alternative, especially for women who want to play it safe in the dating jungle.
—PCMAG, 6 May 2024
Though Garcia pulled a bogey out with a wonderful backspin-heavy approach and solid putt, Burmester could play it safe and two-putt for a par and the win.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024
To play it safe, the money is rolled into I.R.A.s and invested in low-yielding money-market vehicles, certificates of deposit or other cash equivalents.
—Brian J. O’Connor, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2023
Clearly the fanbase appreciated Cameron acting as a chaos agent and mixing it up in a house full of players that often prefered to play it safe and steady.
—EW.com, 10 Nov. 2023
Think of it as a dinner with the in-laws–play it safe (and avoid it if possible).
—Ginny Hogan, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Real or not, play it safe and remember to always eat your doughnuts while walking forward, not backward.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024
People play it safe, looking for ways not to lose instead of playing to win.
—Ricky Muddimer, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
Seth Yudof, Rolling Stone, 16 May 2024
However, Bumble is a high-quality alternative, especially for women who want to play it safe in the dating jungle.
—PCMAG, 6 May 2024
Though Garcia pulled a bogey out with a wonderful backspin-heavy approach and solid putt, Burmester could play it safe and two-putt for a par and the win.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2024
To play it safe, the money is rolled into I.R.A.s and invested in low-yielding money-market vehicles, certificates of deposit or other cash equivalents.
—Brian J. O’Connor, New York Times, 23 Dec. 2023
Clearly the fanbase appreciated Cameron acting as a chaos agent and mixing it up in a house full of players that often prefered to play it safe and steady.
—EW.com, 10 Nov. 2023
Think of it as a dinner with the in-laws–play it safe (and avoid it if possible).
—Ginny Hogan, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024
Real or not, play it safe and remember to always eat your doughnuts while walking forward, not backward.
—Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 1 Mar. 2024
People play it safe, looking for ways not to lose instead of playing to win.
—Ricky Muddimer, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'play it safe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near 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 28 May. 2024.
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