THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Be on the safe side
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To take a precaution or choose a less risky option.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I downloaded the ticket as well as printing it, just to be on the safe side.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I downloaded the ticket as well as printing it, just to ________.
Show the answer
Be on the safe side — To take a precaution or choose a less risky option.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Be on the safe side” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To take a precaution or choose a less risky option.
Compare: I downloaded the ticket as well as printing it, just to be on the safe side.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when explaining an extra check or preparation made to avoid a possible problem. It suits everyday and workplace conversation.
More examples in context
- To be on the safe side, we booked the earlier train.
- Let us check the room number again to be on the safe side.
Usage note
“To be on the safe side” commonly explains why you take a precaution. It does not mean the problem is certain to happen.
A short conversation
A: Why are you taking a spare pen?
B: Just to be on the safe side in case this one stops working.
A: I will bring one too.
One more practice question
Which action is taken to be on the safe side?
A. Deleting the only copy before checking whether a backup exists.
B. Saving a backup copy before making major changes.
Check your answer
B. The backup is a precaution against losing the work.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.