Play it safe Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈɪt/, /ɪt/ /ˈseɪf
PLAY-it-SAYF
plˈeɪ/ /ˈɪt/ /sˈeɪf
play-it-SAYF
Definition
To act cautiously and avoid risks, especially by choosing a safe or conventional course of action. Often used when someone prefers certainty over risk.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and common in everyday speech. Often used to justify making a safe or cautious decision: 'I'll play it safe and bring an umbrella.' Not literal—has nothing to do with playing games.
Spanish: ir a lo seguro - actuar con cautelaPortuguese (BR): jogar seguro - agir com cautelaPortuguese (PT): jogar pelo seguro - agir com cautelaChinese (Simplified): 谨慎行事 - 求稳Chinese (Traditional): 謹慎行事 - 求穩Hindi: सावधानी बरतना - सुरक्षित रास्ता अपनानाArabic: اتخاذ الحيطة - التصرف بحذرBengali: সতর্ক থাকা - ঝুঁকি না নেওয়াRussian: перестраховаться - действовать осторожноJapanese: 安全策を取る - 無難にいくVietnamese: chọn cách an toàn - hành động thận trọngKorean: 안전하게 행동하다 - 조심스럽게 하다Turkish: tedbiri elden bırakmamak - güvenli oynamakUrdu: احتیاط کرنا - محفوظ راستہ اختیار کرناIndonesian: bermain aman - mengambil langkah aman
Example Sentences
It's going to rain, so I'll play it safe and take my raincoat.
basic
If you're not sure, just play it safe and double-check.
basic
We decided to play it safe and leave early.
basic
I'm not a big risk-taker, so I usually play it safe when making decisions.
natural
Let’s play it safe and not eat street food this time.
natural
You can't win big if you always play it safe.
natural