belt and braces

belt and braces

A multipronged, perhaps excessively cautious, approach to try to ensure a particular outcome. Primarily heard in UK. Even though I'd set the alarm clock in my room, I still asked the front desk for a wake-up call. I felt I had to go belt and braces to ensure that I'm not late for the big meeting tomorrow morning.
See also: and, belt, brace
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

belt and braces

BRITISH
If someone has a belt and braces approach to doing something, they take extra precautions to make sure that it will work properly. A trawl of the computer system should reveal if customers were charged too much. `It's a belt and braces approach to check for irregularities,' said the bank. He described airport security as an overly belt and braces approach, at huge cost to industry. Note: Trousers that are held up by a belt as well as a pair of braces (= two straps over the shoulder) are less likely to fall down.
See also: and, belt, brace
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

belt and braces

(of a policy or action) providing double security by using two means to achieve the same end. British
This meaning developed from the idea of a literal belt and braces holding up a pair of loose-fitting trousers.
2002 Digital Photography Made Easy Oddly, the manual is also on CD, which seems a bit belt and braces (though useful if you lose the original).
See also: and, belt, brace
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • brace
  • (all) dressed up like a pox doctor's clerk
  • basher
  • Bible
  • Bible-basher
  • Bible-thumper
  • thumper
  • (all) done up like a pox doctor's clerk
  • doctor
References in periodicals archive
Now Woolybacks aren't local No, they don't live round here They come from Crewe or Khatmandu Even Lake Windermere They don't speak proper English Not like you and me And watch those Mancs from up the Lancs They still eat missionaries you see He's dead unsophisticated Says thou instead of you Belt and braces on his trousers Wears a clog and not a shoe Stuffing ferrets down his trousers Wears a cap that's flat Speaks in a foreign language Like on Ilkey Moo Bahat (What does that mean?) But Woolybacks are harmless Most accommodating too Just feed them tripe and unions And they'll do anything for you Knowarrameanla by Alan Tippins, Litherland
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Matic's a step forward, not back, the perfect model to fit Jose Mourinho's range of belt and braces.
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It strikes me that he is a belt and braces man, a man of conviction and a man of conscience.
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The policy is intended not only to ensure ANZ complies with all relevant international sanctions but reflects a belt and braces approach given the unacceptable risk of sanctions noncompliance and the gravity of consequences associated with non-compliance."
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The Financial Services Authority (FSA) called on banks to take a "belt and braces approach" to ensure they have enough cash.
Banks must take extra care, says watchdog
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) called on banks to take a "belt and braces approach" to ensuring they have enough cash to meet their short-term needs.
Call for tougher funding standards for banks
BELT and braces hack and slash action here as you fight your way across feudal Japan.
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A spokeswoman said: "It's a simple fracture, but bearing in mind who she is, she's 83 and the shock to the system, it's just belt and braces.
BARONESS THATCHER BREAKS ARM
We believe Gateshead Council's "belt and braces" approach is the way forward.
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MRS Nick Clegg - Miriam Gonzalez Durantez, 40 - fails to win our style vote with this unflattering belt and braces look.
Braced for criticism, Mrs Clegg?