safe pair of hands
Someone you trust
A safe pair of hands is someone reliable and competent who can be trusted with responsibility.
The expression comes from cricket and other sports where catching is essential—a player with safe hands won't drop the ball.
In business and politics, it describes a steady, dependable person rather than a bold or innovative one: We need a safe pair of hands to manage the transition.
Guardian of a place
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- stewardManager for another
- caretakerOne who maintains property
- trusteeOne managing another's assets
protector · keeper · manager · overseer · administrator · curator · handler · supervisor
Worthy of trust
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- responsibleObligated to answer for actions
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
- unfailingNever failing or weakening
solid · proven · steady · reliable · faithful · loyal · devoted · steadfast
Impossible to disturb
- calmFree from agitation
- poisedCalm and controlled
- composedCalm and self-possessed
- sereneUntroubled and composed
steady · level-headed · collected · cool-headed · imperturbable · unshakable · balanced · even-tempered
Having learned ability
- capableHaving required skills
- experiencedHaving practical knowledge gained
- proficientHaving practiced ability
- adeptHighly capable, well-versed
qualified · knowledgeable · expert · accomplished · masterful · seasoned · practiced · professional
custodian
Guardian of a place
- guardianProtective caretaker of another
- stewardManager for another
- caretakerOne who maintains property
trustee · protector · keeper · manager · overseer · administrator · curator · handler · supervisor · delegated
dependable
Worthy of trust
- trustworthyWorthy of confidence
- responsibleObligated to answer for actions
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
unfailing · solid · proven · steady · reliable · faithful · loyal · devoted · steadfast · conscientious
unflappable
Impossible to disturb
serene · steady · level-headed · collected · cool-headed · imperturbable · unshakable · balanced · even-tempered · measured
skilled
Having learned ability
- capableHaving required skills
- experiencedHaving practical knowledge gained
- proficientHaving practiced ability
adept · qualified · knowledgeable · expert · accomplished · masterful · seasoned · practiced · professional · efficient
- skill idiomsknow the ropes, cut the mustard, on the ball, sharp as a tack, jack of all trades
safe pair of handsliability
Legal or financial obligation
loose cannon · weak link · incompetent · bungler · butterfingers
safe pair of handsmaverick
Independent-minded rule-breaker
accident waiting to happen · loose cannon · gambler · gamble · high-risk
safe, pair, pairs, hand, hands, safely, safety, unsafe, safeness