play it safe — to be very careful and avoid taking risks
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to be very careful and avoid taking risks
Pronunciation (IPA): /pleɪ ɪt seɪf/
Korean meaning: 안전하게 행동하다, 무난하게 처리하다, 위험을 피하다
Korean pronunciation: **플레**이 잇 **세**이프
Example Sentences
- When my boss asked about the deadline, I played it safe and said next Friday instead of Thursday.
- She always plays it safe by bringing an umbrella even when there's only a 10% chance of rain.
- Let's play it safe and order pizza instead of trying that new experimental restaurant.
play it safe
VERB//pleɪ ɪt seɪf//
to be very careful and avoid taking risks
a hiker in bright gear carefully studies a trail map while pointing toward the easier, well-marked path instead of the dangerous cliff route. Her hiking partner nods in agreement as they both look at the safer trail option. The risky cliff path shows loose rocks and warning markers that make it clearly hazardous. Meanwhile, other experienced hikers walk confidently along the safer trail they're choosing. being very careful and avoiding taking risks
To protect the waif, always play it safe!
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
20세기 초 미국에서 시작된 표현으로, 도박이나 게임에서 '안전하게 플레이하다'는 의미에서 유래되어 일상생활의 신중한 행동을 나타내는 관용구가 되었습니다.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When my boss asked about the deadline, I played it safe and said next Friday instead of Thursday.”
“She always plays it safe by bringing an umbrella even when there's only a 10% chance of rain.”
“Let's play it safe and order pizza instead of trying that new experimental restaurant.”
“The company played it safe and invested in government bonds rather than risky stocks.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.