play it safe
play it safe
To not take any unwarranted risks or dangers; to act with caution and prudence. Despite the initial popularity of their product, the company has been playing it safe, deciding not to ramp up production until they are sure momentum will continue. I think you should have your car looked at by a mechanic before your big road trip. Better to play it safe than end up stuck in the middle of nowhere!
See also: play, safe
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
play it safe
to be or act safe; to avoid taking a risk. You should play it safe and take your umbrella. If you have a cold or the flu, play it safe and go to bed.
See also: play, safe
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
play it safe
Also, play safe. Avoid extreme risks, as in I played it safe and bet only a dollar, or Let's play safe and get a backup in case the announced speaker gets sick. [c. 1900]
See also: play, safe
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- play safe
- go easy
- warn about
- warn about (someone or something)
- you can't be too careful
- caution
- caution (one) about (someone or something)
- caution about
- damn the torpedoes
- torpedo