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

They act as a filing system, inspiration and even a security blanket, but when the case is solved, Preston asks: “Why would she need the totes anymore?”

From Los Angeles Times

He was the security blanket, especially after the Rams lost receiver Puka Nacua, who was ejected in the second quarter for throwing a punch.

From Los Angeles Times

While premiums have gone up in recent years, and coverage maxes out at $250,000, the program still constitutes a security blanket on Florida’s Gulf Coast, where coverage rates are high.

From Slate

When legendary sportscaster Al Michaels joined the broadcast booth for Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” in 2022, he served as a security blanket for fans that may have been streaming live sports for the first time.

From Los Angeles Times

"I couldn't explain it, though I did find articles describing the phenomenon. Maybe it was Freudian - beard as security blanket. Maybe it was Jungian - beard as mask. Whatever, it made me calmer..." wrote Prince Harry.

From BBC