security blanket

noun

1. a blanket or other familiar item carried especially by a young child to provide reassurance and a feeling of psychological security.
2. someone or something that gives a person a sense of protection or a feeling of security:

   His wealthy uncle is his security blanket.

security blanket

noun

1. a policy of temporary secrecy by police or those in charge of security, in order to protect a person, place, etc, threatened with danger, from further risk
2. a baby's blanket, soft toy, etc, to which a baby or young child becomes very attached, using it as a comforter
3. informal.
   anything used or thought of as providing reassurance

Word History and Origins

Origin of security blanket¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Idioms and Phrases

Something that dispels anxiety, as in I always carry my appointments calendar; it's my security blanket . This colloquial term, dating from about 1960, was at first (and still is) used for the blanket or toy or other object held by a young child to reduce anxiety.

Example Sentences

Whether driving through wildfire smoke or putting out fires at work, I’ve turned to the Wynd Plus as a sort of security blanket.

From Popular-Science

I kept going, thankful I had trekking poles, both as life support and security blanket.

From Outside Online

Spurred by ATT, the company is telling customers that it can be their security blanket when it comes to protecting their privacy online.

From Digiday

He has become the engine of the Chiefs’ relentless offense, both bulldozer and security blanket for Patrick Mahomes.

From Washington Post

With Mikkelsen as his security blanket, Arcel could cast the other two roles with new faces.

From The Daily Beast

I don't like it any more than you do, disliking Bush was my ideological security blanket.

From The Daily Beast

I like that The Aniston spent the first three years after her breakup walking around wrapped in a giant pashmina security blanket.

From The Daily Beast