play safe

play 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 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 safe than end up stuck in the middle of nowhere!
See also: play, safe
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

play safe

BRITISH or

play it safe

COMMON If you play safe or play it safe, you do not take any risks. If you want to play safe, cut down on the amount of salt you eat. Big tourist hotels tend to play safe with bland international menus. The pilot decided that Christchurch was too far away, and played it safe, landing at Wellington.
See also: play, safe
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

play (or play it) safe (or for safety)

take precautions; avoid risks.
See also: play, safe
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

play (it) ˈsafe

avoid danger; act safely, even if another course of action would be quicker, more successful, etc: I know all these locks seem unnecessary but I believe it’s always better to play safe. OPPOSITE: take a risk
See also: play, safe
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • play it 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, full steam ahead
  • torpedo
References in periodicals archive
Play Smart, Play Safe was launched during National Playground Safety Week beginning April 24 and received rave reviews from teachers.
"Slyding" into playground safety
"Hayward seeks to maximize the safe enjoyment of the pool and spa environment, and Play Safe is a natural fit," said Kevin Potucek, vice president of marketing at Elizabeth, N.J.-based Hayward.
Hayward acquires SVRS technology
'I admit it is hard to play safe because my foot just wants to stay down all the time.
Motorsport: 'No risks for me' - Montoya
"We are happy to be working with the CPSC on the 'Sleep Safe, Play Safe' campaign."
Soft Bedding a Factor in Playpen Deaths
To play safe, advice from the Department of Health is that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should not drink at all.
What are the recommended limits of consumption?
Climbing into a yellow taxi cab for the first time I was greeted by the words: "Hi, this is Vinny Testaverde, quarterback for the New York Jets, and I'm here to tell you that winners play safe by always fastening their seat belts in the back of a cab."
Warm greeting has me rooting for the Jets; PICK OF THE DAY
SANDI THOM Merchants & Thieves (Guardian Angels) SHE landed a major record deal by playing webcast gigs in a basement, was touted as the next big thing, topped the charts with I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker, and was dumped after disagreeing with label bosses who just wanted her to play safe chart pop.
album of the week
A project called Play Safe, Stay Safe is being carried out to teach pupils about potential dangers and give them the opportunity to try out protective clothing and get up close to barriers.
Children issued with a play safe, stay safe message
We urge people to have carry condoms and play safe. It only takes one act of unprotected sex to catch this STI.
Warnings over festive sex disease
THOUSANDS of potential property sales and valuations requested by owners seeking to remortgage with a new lender are being hit as surveyors play safe by slapping a lower valuation on their homes.
Valuers are playing safe; in association with fish4
Today, quarry operators around the country launched their annual Play Safe, Stay Safe campaign.
Quarry danger alert
Most docs suggest players with head injuries undergo at least a week of observation before playing again and Hearts' medical men are likely to play safe.
Football: No way for Jose; SCOTTISH CUP SPECIAL
While our hearts go out to the grieving parents, and it will haunt them forever, it is our parental duty to make it very clear to children (and adults for that matter) that it is not sufficient for them just to play safe but they must stay away from railway lines altogether.
Railway's a dangerous playground
Sorry to drag over old coals but do we always have to play safe!
Letter: Safe isn't sound
Yet, despite knowing how HW and other diseases are spread and how to play safe, he still hesitates to have sex.
Scared of sex: Gay people paralyzed by a fear of STDs need to know: Celibacy driven by terror can be bad for your health