hedged one's bets
Spread the risk
Hedged one's bets means protected oneself against loss by spreading risk across multiple options rather than committing fully to one.
From betting terminology, where placing wagers on different outcomes limits potential losses.
She hedged her bets by applying to twelve colleges.
The phrase often implies caution at the expense of boldness—playing it safe rather than going all in.
- cover your basesPrepare for every possibility
- insuranceContractual risk coverage
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- diversificationExpanding into varied areas
- prudenceCareful, wise judgment
don't put all your eggs · wait and see · trade-offs · safeguards · contingency planning · Plan B · flexibility · redundancy · strategic thinking · foresight · safety net · backup plan · calculated risk · safe bet · indecision · adaptability · risk aversion · heuristics
hedged one's betsbet the farm
Gamble everything on one outcome
put all one's eggs in one basket · doubled down · took the plunge · rolled the dice · swung for the fences
hedged one's betstook a stand
went all out · put one's foot down · drew a line in the sand
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