Better safe than sorry Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbɛtɝ/ /ˈseɪf/ /ˈðæn/, /ðən/ /ˈsɑɹi

BET-er SAFE than SAW-ree

UK

bˈɛtɐ/ /sˈeɪf/ /ðˈɐn/ /sˈɒɹi

BET-uh SAFE than SOR-ee

Definition

This expression means it is wiser to be careful and take precautions than to risk something bad happening and regret it later.

Usage & Nuances

Frequently used to justify taking extra precautions, often in advice or after minor setbacks. Very informal, especially in everyday conversation. Common in safety, health, and planning talks.

• Spanish: mejor prevenir que lamentar
• Portuguese (BR): melhor prevenir do que remediar
• Portuguese (PT): mais vale prevenir do que remediar
• Chinese (Simplified): 小心驶得万年船 - 有备无患
• Chinese (Traditional): 小心駛得萬年船 - 有備無患
• Hindi: सावधानी hamesha bhala (सावधानी में ही भलाई है)
• Arabic: الوقاية خير من العلاج
• Bengali: সাবধানের মার নেই - সাবধানে থাকাই ভালো
• Russian: бережёного бог бережёт
• Japanese: 念には念を入れるべき - 用心に越したことはない
• Vietnamese: cẩn tắc vô ưu - phòng bệnh hơn chữa bệnh
• Korean: 조심해서 나쁠 건 없다 - 미리 대비하는 게 낫다
• Turkish: tedbirli olmakta fayda var - işini sağlama almak gerekir
• Urdu: احتیاط علاج سے بہتر ہے - بہتر ہے کہ احتیاط کی جائے
• Indonesian: lebih baik mencegah daripada menyesal

Example Sentences

I always lock the door at night—better safe than sorry.

basic

Take your umbrella—better safe than sorry.

basic

We turned off all the lights before leaving—better safe than sorry.

basic

I know the food looks fine, but I'd rather not risk it—better safe than sorry.

natural

She's bringing extra batteries, just in case—better safe than sorry.

natural

You never know what might happen on the road, so I always drive carefully—better safe than sorry.

natural