hedges one's bets
Plays it safe
To hedge one's bets is to protect against loss by spreading risk across multiple options rather than committing fully to one.
The metaphor comes from gambling—placing smaller bets on several outcomes rather than everything on a single wager.
She applied to ten schools, hedging her bets in case her top choice rejected her.
The phrase often carries a faint suggestion of timidity or lack of conviction.
- diversificationExpanding into varied areas
- safety netProtection against failure
- backup planAlternative if primary fails
- contingency planningPreparing for possible problems
- insuranceContractual risk coverage
keeping options open · flexibility · compromise · trade-offs · circumspection · foresight · precautionary measures · safeguards · cost-benefit analysis · conservatism · strategic planning · mitigation · wait and see · capital preservation · erring on the side of caution · risk aversion · vigilance · restraint
hedges one's betsdoubles down
Increases commitment despite risk
swings for the fences · rolls the dice · gambles · takes the plunge · takes a flyer
hedges one's betsburns one's bridges
Permanently closes off alternatives
goes all out · crosses the Rubicon · takes the plunge · draws a line in the sand · bites the bullet
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