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To be on the safe side

Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.

2 June 2026

To be on the safe side

We use this expression to say someone should do something just to be sure there will be no problems - normally with time or quantity.

Written: Yes

Spoken: Yes

Formal: No

Informal: Yes

Example 1

How long will it take us to drive to Birmingham?

Two hours. The meeting's at ten, so we should leave at seven to be on the safe side.

Example 2

Is it an expensive restaurant we're going to?

No - but I'm taking £50 to be on the safe side.

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