safe
Free from harm or danger
Not in a place or situation where you can be hurt or in danger.
[someone/something] is safe
- The children are safe inside the house.
- It’s safe to cross the street now.
- We felt safe during the storm because we were indoors.
- Make sure your valuables are safe while traveling.
- The baby is safe in her bed.
- You are safe here.
- I feel safe with my family.
- He is safe at home.
Not harmful or risky
Not dangerous or harmful to people or things.
[something] is safe for [someone/something]
- This medicine is safe for most adults.
- The water is safe to drink.
- These toys are safe for children under three years old.
- The food is safe to eat.
- This tool is safe for kids.
- It is safe to touch the animal.
Strong box for valuables
A strong box or cabinet that locks and keeps money or valuable things safe.
put [something] in a safe
- The jewels are kept in a safe at the bank.
- He forgot the combination to his home safe.
- They installed a new safe in their office.
- I keep my passport in a safe.
- The money is in the safe.
- The bank has a big safe.
Certain to succeed or work well
Sure to work or succeed; not risky.
a safe [choice/bet/option]
- Investing in government bonds is usually a safe bet.
- Choosing black shoes is a safe choice for the interview.
- It’s a safe option if you’re unsure what they like.
- It is a safe choice for dinner.
- Black is a safe color for clothes.
- This game is a safe bet to win.
Unharmed after danger or accident
Not hurt or lost after something bad happens.
- We were relieved to hear she was safe after the earthquake.
- He returned home safe and sound.
- All passengers are reported safe following the accident.
- She is safe after the fire.
- He came home safe from the trip.
- The kids are safe after the storm.
- Base: safe
- Comparative: safer
- Superlative: safest
- Base: safe
- Plural: safes
better safe than sorry
1Take precautions to avoid regret later
It is better to be careful than to risk something bad happening.
- I always lock my doors—better safe than sorry.
- Bring an umbrella; better safe than sorry.
in safe hands
1Cared for by someone trustworthy
Being looked after by someone who is good and careful at their job.
- Don't worry, your car is in safe hands with our mechanics.
- With her as your lawyer, you're in safe hands.
play it safe
1avoid risk by being careful
To be careful and avoid taking risks.
- Let's play it safe and take an umbrella.
- I decided to play it safe and take the train instead of driving in the snow.
- He decided to play it safe and invest in bonds.
- He played it safe by investing in low-risk funds.
safe and sound
1Unharmed after danger or risk
Not hurt or damaged after something dangerous happened.
- After the long journey, we arrived home safe and sound.
- The missing hikers were found safe and sound.
safe and sound
2Unharmed after danger or trouble
Not hurt and okay after being in danger.
- They arrived home safe and sound after the storm.
- The missing child was found safe and sound.
safe haven
1Place of protection from danger or trouble
A place where you are protected from danger or trouble.
- The library became a safe haven during the storm.
- The country became a safe haven for people fleeing the conflict.
- Refugees found a safe haven across the border.
- Online platforms are not always a safe haven for children.
- The new law aims to make the city a safe haven for small businesses.