cover all bases
Leave nothing unaddressed
To cover all bases is to prepare for every possibility or address all aspects of a situation.
The phrase comes from baseball, where fielders must position themselves at each base.
In general use, it suggests thoroughness: Let's cover all bases before the meeting, She covered all her bases with backup documentation.
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- leave no stone unturnedExamine all options thoroughly
- comprehensiveIncluding all elements
- prepareMake ready beforehand
- game planPredetermined approach to winning
contingency · risk management · backup · safety net · plan B · hedge · insurance · fallback · cautious · meticulous · anticipate · foresee · belt and suspenders · airtight · watertight · bulletproof · safeguard · precaution
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, watch out
- sports idiomsdrop the ball, throw in the towel, slam dunk, out of left field, level playing field
cover all baseswing it
Act without preparation
fly by the seat of one's pants · cut corners · drop the ball · phone it in
cover all basestake a gamble
Risk for uncertain gain
roll the dice · throw caution to the wind · take a chance · take risks · bet the farm
cover all basesimprovise
Perform without preparation
play it by ear · shoot from the hip · ad-lib · go off half-cocked · muddle through
cover, covers, covered, covering, coverage, uncover, uncovered, discover, discovered