on the safe side
Erring toward caution
On the safe side describes taking precautions against possible risk, even when they may prove unnecessary.
The phrase usually follows "to be" or "err": I'll bring an umbrella just to be on the safe side.
It suggests choosing the cautious option when outcomes are uncertain: Let's leave early, to err on the safe side.
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- contingencyUncertain possible event
- Plan BSecondary course of action
- cautiousCareful to avoid risk
- fallbackAlternative if primary fails
worst case scenario · preventive · insured · mitigation · rainy day fund · foresight · proactive · just in case · cover your bases · redundancy · belt and suspenders · buffer · prudent · planning · alert · vigilant · secure · wary
on the safe siderecklessly
Acting without regard for danger
throwing caution to the wind · playing with fire · living on the edge · living dangerously · rolling the dice
safe, side, safely, safety, unsafe, safeness, safeguard, safer, safest