play it safe

Idioms and Phrases

Also, play safe . Avoid extreme risks, as in I played it safe and bet only a dollar , or Let's play safe and get a backup in case the announced speaker gets sick . [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

When I heard that Trump was going on Joe Rogan, I worried that Rogan would play it safe and down the middle, and not confront Trump about all his lies, his obvious corruption, his fawning praise for authoritarian dictators, and the fact that dozens and hundreds of people who worked closely with him in the first administration are trying to frantically warn the public against re-electing him.

From Salon

Take off into the looming darkness, relying primarily on the plane’s instruments, or play it safe and wait until the morning?

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of a quick shot or two at the end zone, Riley opted to play it safe, run the ball and kick the easy field goal to end the second quarter.

From Los Angeles Times

Carsley, to his great credit, has ignored the temptation to play it safe post-Southgate.

From BBC

“Hoping that we’re just being cautious here, you know, on a long night with a delay. … Just decided to play it safe.”

From Seattle Times