a safe pair of hands

safe pair of hands

A trustworthy and competent person. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. That struggling company really needs a leader who is a safe pair of hands and can make some positive changes.
See also: hand, of, pair, safe
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a safe pair of hands

mainly BRITISH
If someone is a safe pair of hands, they are good at their job and can be relied on not to make any serious mistakes. He was viewed as a reliable, solid politician — a safe pair of hands. Compare with in safe hands.
See also: hand, of, pair, safe
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • safe pair of hands
  • the good oil
  • good oil
  • be in safe hands
  • in safe hands
  • up on (one's) ear
  • chip
  • chips
  • Two Bob
  • (as) dead as mutton
References in periodicals archive
This week also finds the show in a safe pair of hands - Alexander Armstrong's to be precise.