to play it safe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to play it safe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when advising someone to take a cautious approach or avoid risks in a situation. Example: "Instead of investing in high-risk stocks, I decided to play it safe and put my money in a savings account."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sotheby's apparently tried to play it safe.

The New York Times - Arts

You can't afford to play it safe.

Independent

"But we have to play it safe".

The New York Times - Sports

Perhaps he simply wants to play it safe.

The New York Times - Books

People don't come here to play it safe.

The New York Times

He was not going to try to play it safe.

The New Yorker

But Soloway can't seem to play it safe.

The New Yorker

Tired of inedible failure, I decided to play it safe.

The New York Times

Kaymer decides to play it safe with a long iron.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be easy for her to play it safe.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, New York's leaders have chosen to play it safe.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing uncertain situations, using "to play it safe" can be a sensible strategy. For example, in investing, it might mean choosing lower-yield but more stable options.

Common error

While "to play it safe" is a valid strategy, relying on it too often can hinder innovation or progress. Sometimes, calculated risks are necessary for growth or achieving significant goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to play it safe" functions as an infinitive phrase indicating an intentional course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It typically modifies a verb, expressing the reason or method behind a decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to play it safe" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe the act of avoiding risks and uncertainties. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's often a prudent strategy, it's important to recognize that excessive caution can sometimes hinder progress. The phrase has several alternatives, such as "to err on the side of caution" or "to take a cautious approach", offering nuanced ways to express the same core idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to err on the side of caution

This alternative suggests making a choice that minimizes potential negative consequences, emphasizing careful decision-making.

to take a cautious approach

This option focuses on the manner of proceeding, highlighting a deliberate and careful method.

to proceed with caution

Similar to 'take a cautious approach', but emphasizes the act of moving forward carefully.

to avoid risks

This alternative directly states the intention of steering clear of potentially harmful situations.

to exercise prudence

This phrase implies wisdom and careful judgment in avoiding danger or risks.

to tread carefully

This suggests moving slowly and deliberately to avoid making mistakes or encountering problems.

to be on the safe side

This indicates a desire to ensure safety and security, often by taking extra precautions.

to choose the safe route

This alternative emphasizes selecting a course of action that is known to be free from danger or problems.

to take precautions

Focuses on the specific actions taken to prevent negative outcomes.

to mitigate risks

This alternative focuses on reducing the potential negative impact of risks.

FAQs

How can I use "to play it safe" in a sentence?

You can use "to play it safe" when you want to describe someone's decision of avoiding any potential risks or uncertainties. For example: "Instead of investing in high-risk stocks, I decided "to play it safe" and put my money in a savings account."

What are some alternatives to "to play it safe"?

You can use alternatives like "to err on the side of caution", "to take a cautious approach", or "to avoid risks" depending on the context.

Is it always a good idea to "play it safe"?

While "to play it safe" is often a wise strategy, it isn't always the best option. Sometimes taking calculated risks can lead to greater rewards or opportunities. It depends on the specific situation and your goals.

What does it mean to "play it safe" in financial investments?

In financial investments, ""to play it safe"" typically means investing in low-risk options such as government bonds or savings accounts, rather than high-risk stocks or speculative investments.