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 easy thing then would have been to play it safe and hire a big name from the glittering ranks of unemployed managers.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

"I wanted to play it safe because I know hopefully in a few weeks I'll have to go again."

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 2026

She decided to play it safe, arriving at Los Angeles International Airport with her 4-year-old daughter and fiance in tow six hours early for their Friday afternoon flight home to Albuquerque.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2025

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

From Salon • Sep. 26, 2025

“I think I’m going to play it safe and go read—and, hey, there’s Ruby! You two can enjoy the degeneration of human decency without me.”

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken