safe1 adjectivesafe2 nounsafe3 interjection
safesafe1 /seɪf/ ●●● S2 W2 adjective (comparative safer, superlative safest) 
WORD ORIGINsafe1
Origin:
1200-1300 Old French sauf, from Latin salvus ‘safe, healthy’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- As long as we keep to the main road we should be safe.
- Bye Sarah, have a safe journey.
- Do teenagers know enough about safe sex and contraception?
- Do you think she'll be safe in the house all alone?
- Dr Williams said the drug would continue to be used because it was safe for most patients.
- Hiding in the hedge a safe distance from the truck, she waited for the man to appear.
- I'm trusting you with these documents, so make sure you keep them safe.
- I feel pretty safe in this building.
- Keep the receipt in a safe place.
- Mothers held on to their children tightly, letting them watch the fireworks from a safe distance.
- Our buses have to pass a safety test each year and are perfectly safe.
- She tends to choose safe, politically acceptable topics for her films.
- the safe disposal of radioactive waste
- The missing children were eventually found at a friend's house, safe and sound.
- The turtles lay their eggs in the damp sand where they are safe from predators.
- Tom's plan seemed simple and safe.
- We want the streets to be safe for our children.
- Would it be safer to park my car in the driveway?
- Your money will be safer in the bank.
- Ericka Emery, 13, feels safer now.
- I closed the curtains around the bed, and felt safe from Heathcliff and everyone else at Wuthering Heights.
- New powers to refuse wastes and revoke licences are potentially powerful weapons in controlling the movement and safe disposal of wastes.
- One looked safe enough, bearing, as it did, Mr Yarrow's distinctive scrawl.
- Seemingly the safest of all securitised corporate lending is the market for commercial paper.
- There was a sort of noisy anonymity about the rattling carriage which made him feel safe.
- To be on the safe side I spent two hours in the drain, shivering for most of the second hour.
- White noise is as safe as a lullaby.
THESAURUSnot in danger
not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen. Also used about a place where someone or something is safe: · I don’t feel safe around here.· Keep your valuables in a safe place.
if something is secure, it is safe from thieves and criminals. Also used about a place where something is safe: · How do I know that my personal details are secure?· The money is in a very secure place.
not likely to be damaged or harmed by something: · The equipment was well protected from the rain.· Always make sure that you are well protected from the sun.
in a place where someone or something cannot be hurt or damaged: · She put the glass vases on the top shelf, out of harm’s way.· Make sure that he stays out of harm’s way.
not harmed or damaged not harmed or damaged: · The children are all safe.
informal safe and not hurt: · I was glad to hear that you were OK.
not hurt: · The kidnappers released the young man unharmed.
not hurt or damaged, after an accident, an attack, or a dangerous experience – used when you are surprised by this: · The baby escaped unscathed.· Miraculously, the old part of the city remained unscathed.
informal not harmed or damaged, especially after a journey or a dangerous experience: · I’m glad you’re home in one piece.
safe, after being in a dangerous situation: · As soon as they were out of danger, they stopped for a rest.· His doctors say he is out of danger.
Longman Language Activatornot in danger of being killed, harmed, or attacked · Do you think she'll be safe in the house all alone?· As long as we keep to the main road we should be safe.safe from · The turtles lay their eggs in the damp sand where they are safe from predators.safe and sound (=safe and unharmed, especially after being in danger) · The missing children were eventually found at a friend's house, safe and sound.
if you do something safely , you succeed in doing it without being killed, harmed, or attacked: · Once we were safely back on shore, we checked the boat for damage.· Most air travellers would be prepared to pay more to be sure of travelling safely.
when you are safe from danger or harm: · The boy has been missing for six days, and there are fears for his safety.for somebody's safety (=so that someone is safe): · For your own safety, please do not smoke until you are outside the plane.· For the safety of the public, this man must be caught.in safety: · Our planes are regularly serviced, so that passengers can be sure they are travelling in safety.
to be safe, after being in a dangerous situation: · Once out of danger, he relaxed. ''Phew, that could have been nasty''.· Mary raced on, thankful for her escape. Even now, however, she was not out of danger.
feeling safe and free from danger: · The children all slept together in the same bed, snug and secure.· She felt much more secure now that she had put a bolt on the door.safe and secure: · Children need to feel safe and secure about the world they grow up in.
freedom from harm or danger, especially from the danger of being robbed, killed, or attacked: for somebody's security: · For the security of passengers, all hand baggage is carefully checked.false sense of security (=when you feel safe but in fact you are not): · His wide-eyed innocence had lulled me into a false sense of security.
if someone such as a child or sick person is in good hands , they are safe because doctors or other responsible people are looking after them: · Don't worry about the children. They're in safe hands with Monica.· Although Grandad was very ill in hospital, it was a comfort for us to know he was in good hands.
not in danger of being lost, stolen, or damaged · Your money will be safer in the bank.it is safe to do something (=something will be safe if you do it) · Would it be safer to park my car in the driveway?keep something safe · I'm trusting you with these documents, so make sure you keep them safe.
safe, especially from thieves or other criminals: · Make sure the building is completely secure before you leave.· If your password gets known by anyone else, your data may not be secure.secure from: · He kept his savings under his bed, secure from the prying eyes of his roommate.
British if your money or savings are as safe as houses , they are completely safe: · There's no financial risk. Your money is as safe as houses with us.
a safe place · We want the streets to be safe for our children.in a safe place · Keep the receipt in a safe place.from/at a safe distance (=far enough away from something dangerous) · Mothers held on to their children tightly, letting them watch the fireworks from a safe distance.(at) a safe distance from something · Hiding in the hedge a safe distance from the truck, she waited for the man to appear.
if someone or something is out of harm's way , they are in a place where they cannot be hurt or damaged: · She put the glass vases on the top shelf, out of harm's way.well out of harm's way: · The device sends the fish to the bottom of the pond, well out of harm's way.
a place where you are safe from danger: reach safety: · By the time the men reached safety, they were exhausted and half starved.the safety of something: · She rushed back to the safety of her own house.carry/lead/take somebody to safety: · The firefighters carried the children to safety.· A film cameraman was airlifted to safety yesterday after being trapped inside a volcano for two days.
a place where you can go in order to escape from a dangerous or unpleasant situation: refuge from: · The basement provided us with a refuge from the fighting.refuge for: · The Allies are being asked to provide more refuges for those fleeing the fighting.place of refuge: · Zurich's importance as a business centre grew, as did its reputation as a place of refuge.take refuge (=go somewhere that is safe): · During the flooding, people took refuge in the hills.seek refuge from something (=try to find a safe place, to escape from a dangerous situation): · Thousands of families came here seeking refuge from the civil war.
a peaceful place where people go in order to escape from danger or suffering, and where they feel very safe: haven for: · She finally found a place to escape to, a small haven for herself and her daughter.· The church is a haven of peace in one of London's busiest areas.safe haven (=a safe place): · The massacre took place in what was supposed to be a UN safe haven.
a peaceful place that is safe and provides protection, especially for people who are in danger: · I thought of my bedroom as a sanctuary.· The Church should be a sanctuary for the oppressed.
when something is not likely to cause harm a safe activity, journey, way of doing something etc does not involve any danger: · Flying is one of the safest forms of travel.· Bye Sarah, have a safe journey.· the safe disposal of radioactive waste· Dr Williams said the drug would continue to be used because it was safe for most patients.it is safe to do something: · Is it safe to swim in the water here?safe sex (=sex that avoids the risk of disease): · Do teenagers know enough about safe sex and contraception?perfectly safe (=used especially to emphasize to someone that something is safe): · Our buses have to pass a safety test each year and are perfectly safe.
an animal or chemical that is harmless will not harm or injure anyone, even though it may seem dangerous: · Our dog makes a lot of noise, but he's perfectly harmless.· We need to persuade parents that almost all vaccines are harmless.harmless to: · Essential oils are harmless to skin, provided they are used correctly.
activities or people who make people and places safer things that are done to make sure that someone does not get attacked or robbed: · They need to improve security here - anyone could just walk in.· Security has been increased at all airports in the wake of the attacks.security measures/checks/procedures: · Strict security measures were in force during the President's visit.security guard/man: · A uniformed security man met them at the gate.tight security (=very careful security): · There is tight security at the airport and all baggage is being searched.high security (=carefully protected or made safe): · a high security prison
ways of preventing dangerous accidents: · Safety needs to be improved on all our railways.safety measures/checks/precautions: · We handle many chemicals that require special safety precautions.road safety (=rules and methods for using roads safely): · All children should be taught road safety from an early age.health and safety: · All employees will be issued with a health and safety handbook.
to try to avoid risks or danger to do something in a sensible way, in order to avoid risks: · Of course you don't have to spend all your time worrying about possible health hazards, but you still need to take care.take care how/when etc: · Take care how you cross the road. Most drivers ignore the traffic lights and just drive through. take care with: · I always take great care with diets, so I don't lose too much weight too quickly.
to make preparations before you do something, in order to avoid the risk of something unpleasant happening: · Tourists should take precautions as they would in any large city, and should avoid traveling alone at night. take precautions against: · The villagers had already taken precautions against random raids by the militia.take the precaution of doing something: · Bennet had taken the precaution of transferring his house into his wife's name before his company collapsed.
to pay careful attention to what is happening and not easily trust people, in order to avoid getting into danger, being tricked etc: · Drivers have to be on their guard, as faults or signal failures can occur at any time.be on your guard against: · " We would like to warn everybody to be on their guard against unsolicited 'tradesmen'," he said.
to watch and listen very carefully when you are in a situation that might be dangerous, or in which people might try to cheat you: · It was only because John kept his wits about him that the boys managed to get home safely.· Buying a second-hand car can be very tricky. You really have to have your wits about you.
to choose a careful way of doing something instead of a way that could have more risks or danger: · My friends keep advising me to invest my money in stocks and shares but I've decided to play safe and leave it in the bank.· The Film Club could have played safe by starting the season with one of the ever-popular Hitchcock movies, but instead they chose to show an avant-garde documentary.
to organize something in a very careful way, because you want to avoid any possible risks: · This time we're taking no chances. Everything will be planned down to the last detail.· Weather forecasters have warned about the possibility of severe storms, and city officials are taking no chances.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
She doesn’t feel safe in the house on her own. Make sure you keep these documents safe. The water is treated to make it safe to drink. We watched from a safe distance. Drivers should keep a safe distance from the car in front. Women are safer drivers than men. I think it’s safe to say that the future is looking pretty good. Keep your credit cards in a safe place. We huddled around the fire to keep warm. Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. The prime minister wanted to create a safe haven for the refugees. The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. Is there somewhere safe where I can leave my bike?COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
She doesn’t feel safe in the house on her own. Make sure you keep these documents safe. British English (=be completely safe) Your money will be as safe as houses.
Your money will be as safe as houses. (=unharmed, especially after being in danger) The missing children were found safe and sound.
The missing children were found safe and sound. The water is treated to make it safe to drink. We watched from a safe distance. Drivers should keep a safe distance from the car in front. Women are safer drivers than men. I think it’s safe to say that the future is looking pretty good. Keep your credit cards in a safe place. British English (=said to someone when they start a long journey) Dad rang to wish me a safe journey.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Dad rang to wish me a safe journey.· Will there ever be a safe alternative to nuclear power?
(=safely)· It was a great relief when he arrived back safe and sound.
· Talks were held on the safe disposal of nuclear weapons.
(=enough space to be safe)· You should keep a safe distance from the car in front.
· Since I had the accident, I’m a much more careful driver.
(=driving well and carefully)· Young drivers should be educated about safe driving.
· The playground provides a safe environment for children.
(=in which you are unlikely to lose money)· Electricity shares are still a safe investment.
(=used especially to wish someone a good journey)· Have a safe journey.
(=consider that it is safe to do something)· He listened for some time before judging it safe to go downstairs.
We huddled around the fire to keep warm. (=one that involves no risk)· A special savings account can be a safe option.
Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. The prime minister wanted to create a safe haven for the refugees. The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. British English (=one that a party is unlikely to lose)· Maidstone is considered a safe seat for the Conservatives.
(=ways of having sex that reduce the spread of sexual diseases)
Is there somewhere safe where I can leave my bike?· So for the trick to work the parent must always be perfectly safe.· When we arrived at a perfectly safe position, we halted to take an account of damages.· Basic butane picnic stoves are a perfectly safe, reliable and inexpensive choice for mild weather trips.· I think he decided the jewels were perfectly safe right where they were.· As for the 1991 cruising season, most of the Med is still perfectly safe to visit.· The point is, of course, that for hundreds of years the villages have been perfectly safe.· Maggie realised that she felt perfectly safe with him.· The descent, like a big dipper, is exhilarating but perfectly safe.
· I've got to settle down and have babies, so you're quite safe.· Tim flowers felt quite safe I m sure.· Even though his hands were full, she felt quite safe.· He would be quite safe in it till morning.· But if you buy the right thing in the right place you should be quite safe.· And besides - you were quite safe.· You'd be quite safe, I assure you.
· Security advisers are confident the prince will be relatively safe from hostile forces.· In spite of the adverse effects, the benzodiazepines are relatively safe drugs.· Monasteries and nunneries were relatively safe from attack until the Dissolution and would have no need for elaborate and impractical tunnels.· We then take him on to a relatively safe highway.· A small monetary union here would be relatively safe, under almost any conceivable scenario.· Women gained access to relatively safe abortion, and thus gained control over their own fertility.· Mr Stringer now appears relatively safe, but he could have been the victim of his own success.· Where parking is off-street the streets seem relatively safe, but where it is not there are obvious dangers.
NOUN· Above all, remember that there is no such thing as a safe bet.· If you are determined to cultivate fruits, then the safest bets are berry bushes and nut trees.· The supermodels are a safe bet and, in times of recession, that is what matters.· Or is Paul Parker a safer bet?· It was always a safe bet, of course, that Hillsborough would be just about the least dangerous place in Britain yesterday.· You can't have a safer bet than that!· But Nintendo looks a safer bet.· He may not fancy it, but it's a safe bet that he would be the first man to do it.
· Apart from the commander of the garrison and his guard who were given safe conduct to Ascalon they spared none.· They would be guaranteed safe conduct north.
· All have telephone and safe deposit.· Where is your safe deposit box, and the keys to it?· Safe deposit boxes Many large hotels provide individual safe deposit boxes or wall safes for the use of their guests.· One item that intrigued them was a key to a safe deposit box, which was apparently left for them to find.
· So, from a safe distance, he plucked meanings from the cosmos and wove them together in reassurance.· But not all eavesdropping can be accomplished at such a safe distance.· She sat down rather stiffly on the grass, being careful to keep a safe distance between them.· I liked Hatti but from a safe distance.· The senator fell into step beside me while some of Bonefish's smaller children followed at a safe distance.· They had watched from a safe distance, because opposing Chun could mean only bad news.· The best way of avoiding this problem is to ensure that there is a safe distance between the trees and buildings.
· There is hope for a safer environment, but it can not be achieved easily or soon.· After I came to the United States, I made myself a really safe environment.· For individuals, the costs of maintaining a safe environment are, however, by no means all in the category of indirect taxation.· Maintain a clean and safe environment for learning.· Obviously knowledge as well as self-discipline is necessary to prevent accidents and maintain a safe environment.· The individual's level of stress is known to be important in relation to maintaining a safe environment.· In recent years this has been brought into sharp focus with growing public concern for a healthier and safer environment.· This is true largely because the problems associated with maintaining a safe environment are different in different parts of the world.
· My neck and hand were in safe hands-four of them.· The college also offers a creche for two to five-year-olds so that parents can leave children in safe hands.· Knight was the next to fall - straight into the safe hands of Hick, off the bowling of Benjamin.· He left them in safe hands.· They took her to Central Middlesex Hospital and were told she would only be released into safe hands.· I hope they're in safe hands.· You feel yourself in the safe hands of people who know what they are about.· Ambulances arrived, Ivor and Pauline were in safe hands.
· This aspect arose in particular over the setting up of safe havens for the Kurds.· A survivor, Nathan hunts for a safe haven.· He convinced local landholders to give the monkeys safe haven by setting aside land as a preserve.· Gold is seen by many investors as a safe haven in times of economic and political instability.· Dozens of other mammals call this forest safe haven, among them the increasingly threatened jaguar.· Before long, public housing developments were functioning as traps, not safe havens.· Create safe havens for the victims of war?· The womb is the ultimate safe haven and the ultimate symbol of care and nurture.
· It was logical really that I should be brought from my anonymous safe house to the Hezbollah's Hay Madi barracks.· They reportedly control an organization that lists at least 20 safe houses in Tijuana alone and numbers as many as 400 people.· It was a safe house in a bad area at a bad time.· Side turnings; stopovers; safe houses.· And the finest safe house on the road back to Ireland.· We're moving you to a safe house in Wapping.· She was placed in a safe house but later returned to the coven of her own free will.· One success in a sea of despair is the safe house system.
· On Jan. 31, the government promised safe passage to Sikh militants taking up the Prime Minister's offer of peace talks.· There was risk involved in going, and no guarantee of safe passage.· The water of the red sea divided so as to ensure safe passage for the Israelite.· Instead, Fujimori has offered to provide safe passage out of the country for rebels if they liberate all the captives.· They call themselves Rektum, and all signs suggest they enjoyed what you might call a safe passage.· It confined transoceanic vessels to a few narrow shipping lanes that promised safe passage.· That channel is one of only three in the whole archipelago that will allow a nuclear submarine safe passage.· The gunmen released most hostages and headed for Chechnya with the rest after receiving a promise of safe passage.
· There are some who advocate that, now that that has happened, the world is somehow a safer place.· She put her card away in a safe place - then couldn't remember where.· It just makes your world a kinder, safer place.· While I was absent, Wemmick had warned Herbert to move our guest to a safer place.· Jack Diamond is an entirely safe place.· But the organisation is a keen supporter of driver training as the best way of making the roads a safer place.· My mind darts like a boy who has stolen something and wants to get to a safe place to examine his prize.
· Worse, really, because with ageing there's not the least possibility of a safe return.· And he adds his personal guarantee of company and protection, with the assurance of eventual safe return.· Birdland is now offering a reward for the safe return of the birds and the conviction of the thieves.· The Everqueen herself gifted him with a heart-shaped broach which she had woven with enchantments for his safe return.· Meanwhile, the Spartan observers were politely detained, pending the ambassadors' safe return.· Already some manufacturers are offering incentives for safe return of batteries, so that they can recycle or dispose of them safely.· The safe return of the Oldenburgs.
· But, as it was, he could expect to be made Solicitor-General and found a safe seat.· The already safe seat at Wandsworth was divided in 1918 into five safe seats.· It went down a treat with the matrons in safe seats like South-west Surrey.· Given that most seats are safe seats for one party or another, this selection is usually tantamount to election.· It will increase citizens' control over their elected representatives, by abolishing safe seats.· Besides, you need to motivate workers in safe seats to go and help in the others.· In safe seats selectionist tantamount to election.
· She must fetch her raincoat, just to be on the safe side.· So this year, to be on the safe side, she had ordered a roll of chicken wire and metal stakes.· To be on the safe side, always ask your doctor's advice before making a final decision.· So they dropped a dime in order to err on the safe side.· Most employers, to be on the safe side, would have fired a lot more workers.· Just to be on the safe side, he may also have invoked topographical features behind which the sun disappears.· Dougal had arranged to hire it for the Sunday and the Monday, just to be on the safe side.
· But there are safe ways to ward off fleas.· There are two safe ways to find a good massage therapist: 1.· The safest way to ensure that you are getting the best practical business advice for your money is to buy from Croner.· He'd spent a long time twisting bits of wire together and finding a safe way to steal electricity from the fusebox.· After recycling, we must find the safest way in which to dispose of the waste.· It is the only safe way to proceed in the future.· The safest way to introduce it is in the skimmer, where it can sterilize the water as it passes through.· Nervous Novices Villa-Flotilla is the safest way to sample cruising for the first time.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► a safe pair of hands► safe!PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a safe pair of hands
- Dougal had arranged to hire it for the Sunday and the Monday, just to be on the safe side.
- He cut a lot to be on the safe side.
- I've had a few copies made to be on the safe side: solicitors, banks ... you know.
- Just to be on the safe side, he may also have invoked topographical features behind which the sun disappears.
- Most employers, to be on the safe side, would have fired a lot more workers.
- She must fetch her raincoat, just to be on the safe side.
- She says do not worry, but it's wiser to be on the safe side.
- So this year, to be on the safe side, she had ordered a roll of chicken wire and metal stakes.
- Parents want to make sure they're leaving their children in safe hands.
- Ambulances arrived, Ivor and Pauline were in safe hands.
- I believed he was in safe hands.
- If we can tap it successfully - our future is in safe hands.
- My neck and hand were in safe hands-four of them.
- So if it was going to get rough she couldn't be in safer hands.
- I think I'll take my umbrella along - better safe than sorry.
- Anyway, better safe than sorry.
- The overall message of precaution-better safe than sorry-has intuitive appeal.
- Take these to your stylist, safe in the knowledge that your new look is going to suit you!
- You simply roam around, safe in the knowledge that round each corner there will be something to please.
- I liked the town, for all its drab and muted calm; it seemed a safe place to be.
- In currency markets, when the going gets tough, the investors go to safer places.
- It just makes your world a kinder, safer place.
- She put her card away in a safe place - then couldn't remember where.
- There are some who advocate that, now that that has happened, the world is somehow a safer place.
- While I was absent, Wemmick had warned Herbert to move our guest to a safer place.
- And he adds his personal guarantee of company and protection, with the assurance of eventual safe return.
- Birdland is now offering a reward for the safe return of the birds and the conviction of the thieves.
- He wishes you to have not merely a safe journey, but an aesthetically pleasing one.
- Meanwhile, the Spartan observers were politely detained, pending the ambassadors' safe return.
- The Everqueen herself gifted him with a heart-shaped broach which she had woven with enchantments for his safe return.
- Travellers would offer them bread and milk to be sure of a safe journey.
- Worse, really, because with ageing there's not the least possibility of a safe return.
- The earrings seemed like a good bet for a birthday present.
- Cohen says companies like PictureTel have improved transmission quality, making video conferencing a better bet than in years past.
- Even if you spend more and risk recurring sticker shock, the place is a good bet to tranquilize you.
- It was always a safe bet, of course, that Hillsborough would be just about the least dangerous place in Britain yesterday.
- Only a few months ago he had looked like a good bet.
- Still, if a well-equipped sporty car is in your heart, the fifth-generation Prelude probably is a good bet.
- That makes them a good bet if you travel with a laptop computer.
- The supermodels are a safe bet and, in times of recession, that is what matters.
- As soon as a board attempts to interfere with management tasks it's a fair bet that profits will decline.
- He may not fancy it, but it's a safe bet that he would be the first man to do it.
- Since they're not, it's a fair bet that they show something she doesn't want you to know.
WORD FAMILYnounsafesafetyadjectivesafe ≠ unsafeadverbsafely
1not in danger [not before noun] not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen OPP unsafe: She doesn’t feel safe in the house on her own.safe from The birds’ nests are high up, safe from predators. Make sure you keep these documents safe.be (as) safe as houses British English (=be completely safe) Your money will be as safe as houses.2not harmed or lost not harmed, lost, or stolen: Your family are all safe.safe and sound/well (=unharmed, especially after being in danger) The missing children were found safe and sound.3not causing harm not likely to cause any physical injury or harm OPP dangerous: Flying is one of the safest forms of travel. Don’t go near the edge – it isn’t safe. a safe working environmentit is safe (for somebody) to do something Is it safe to swim here?safe to use/drink/eat etc The water is treated to make it safe to drink.safe for play areas that are safe for children(at/from) a safe distance We watched from a safe distance. Drivers should keep a safe distance from the car in front.safe driver Women are safer drivers than men.4no risk not involving any risk and very likely to be successful: a safe investment a safe method of contraceptionit’s safe to say/assume (that) I think it’s safe to say that the future is looking pretty good.5safe place a place where something is not likely to be stolen or lostkeep/put something in a safe place Keep your credit cards in a safe place.6safe journey/arrival/return etc a journey etc when someone or something is not harmed or lost: His family celebrated his safe return home.safe journey British English (=said to someone when they start a long journey) Dad rang to wish me a safe journey.7subject a safe subject of conversation is not likely to upset anyone or make people argue: I kept to safe subjects, like the weather.8to be on the safe side spoken to do something in order to be certain to avoid an unpleasant situation: I’d take an umbrella, just to be on the safe side.9be in safe hands to be with someone who will look after you very well: Everyone wants to feel that their children are in safe hands.10better (to be) safe than sorry spoken used to say that it is better to be careful, even if this takes time, effort etc, than take a risk that may have a bad result: Set the alarm clock – better safe than sorry!11safe in the knowledge that ... completely certain that something is true or will happen: She went out, safe in the knowledge that no one else was awake.12a safe pair of hands someone you can trust to do a difficult job without making mistakes13 safe! British English spoken informal used by young people to show approval of something: ‘Alex is having a party.’ ‘Oh, safe!’14no problem British English spoken informal used to say that something is good and that there is no problem: ‘How’s your new boss?’ ‘She’s safe.’ → play it safe at play1(9), → it’s a safe bet (that) at bet2(4), → safe seat at seat1(2), → somebody’s secret is safe (with somebody) at secret2(1)THESAURUSnot in dangersafe not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen. Also used about a place where someone or something is safe: · I don’t feel safe around here.· Keep your valuables in a safe place.secure if something is secure, it is safe from thieves and criminals. Also used about a place where something is safe: · How do I know that my personal details are secure?· The money is in a very secure place.well protected not likely to be damaged or harmed by something: · The equipment was well protected from the rain.· Always make sure that you are well protected from the sun.out of harm’s way in a place where someone or something cannot be hurt or damaged: · She put the glass vases on the top shelf, out of harm’s way.· Make sure that he stays out of harm’s way.not harmed or damagedsafe not harmed or damaged: · The children are all safe.OK/all right informal safe and not hurt: · I was glad to hear that you were OK.unharmed not hurt: · The kidnappers released the young man unharmed.unscathed /ʌnˈskeɪðd/ not hurt or damaged, after an accident, an attack, or a dangerous experience – used when you are surprised by this: · The baby escaped unscathed.· Miraculously, the old part of the city remained unscathed.in one piece informal not harmed or damaged, especially after a journey or a dangerous experience: · I’m glad you’re home in one piece.out of danger safe, after being in a dangerous situation: · As soon as they were out of danger, they stopped for a rest.· His doctors say he is out of danger.safe1 adjectivesafe2 nounsafe3 interjection
safesafe2 ●○○ noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- He ignored both the display cases and the safe which was concealed behind a framed eighteenth-century engraving of the City of London.
- The safe being a large cabinet with a fine wire-mesh door to keep flies off fresh food.
- This is the money that banks keep in their safes or tills for everyday use.
WORD SETS
AC, accessory, nounadapter, nounadhesive, nounaerate, verbaerosol, nounair conditioning, nounair lock, nounairtight, adjectivealarm, nounandroid, nounantenna, nounarm, nounattachment, nounaxle, nounbaffle, nounball bearing, nounballcock, nounbarrel, nounbearing, nounbelt, nounbenzine, nounbinder, nounbinoculars, nounblock and tackle, nounblower, nounboarding, nounbolt, nounbrad, nounbrake fluid, nounbrush, nounbucket, nounbuffer, nounbulb, nounBulldog clip, nounbutton, nounbuzzer, nouncable, nouncalibre, nouncam, nouncan, nouncar, nouncarriage, nouncartridge, nouncasing, nouncaster, nouncatalytic converter, nouncentrifuge, nounchannel, nounchicken wire, nounchute, nouncladding, nounclamp, nouncleat, nouncog, nouncogwheel, nouncombination lock, nouncompartment, nouncompressor, nounconcave, adjectiveconcavity, nounconfiguration, nouncontrol, nouncord, nouncounter, nouncrank, nouncutout, nouncyborg, nouncycle, noundamper, noundetector, noundevelop, verbdevice, noundial, noundie, verbdigital, adjectivedispenser, noundissipation, noundistill, verbdrum, nounduct, noundurable goods, noundynamite, noundynamite, verbenergize, verbengage, verbexhaust, nounextractor, nounfacility, nounfail-safe, adjectivefaucet, nounfeed, nounfiberglass, nounfibreglass, nounfield test, nounfilament, nounfilter, nounfirst generation, nounfitting, nounflange, nounflare, nounflex, nounfloodlight, nounfluid, nounfluoridate, verbflush, verbflywheel, nounfoam, verbframe, nounframework, nounfunnel, noungabardine, noungasket, noungas turbine, noungear, noungel, verbgelatinous, adjectivegelignite, noungenetic fingerprinting, nounglaze, verbglue, noungoggles, noungrab, noungrease, noungrease, verbgrid, noungrind, verbgrindstone, noungrommet, noungum, noungun, nounhand-held, adjectivehandle, nounhandloom, nounhandmade, adjectivehandsfree, adjectivehardware, nounharness, nounhasp, nounheavy-duty, adjectiveheavy metal, nounhessian, nounhigh-definition, adjectivehigh-powered, adjectivehinge, nounhooter, nounhousing, nounhub, nounhumidifier, nounincinerate, verbincinerator, nounindustrial arts, nounIndustrial Revolution, the, nouninlay, nouninlet, nouninoperative, adjectiveinsecticide, nouninset, verbinstall, verbinstallation, nouninstrumentation, nouninsulate, verbintake, nouninternal combustion engine, nouninverse, adjectiveionizer, nouniron, nouniron, verbjack, nounjib, nounkey, nounkeyboard, verbkey card, nounkeypad, nounkeystroke, nounkingpin, nounlaser, nounLCD, nounlead, nounlens, nounlever, nounlie detector, nounlift, nounlight bulb, nounlinseed oil, nounlistening device, nounlocomotion, nounloop, verbLuddite, nounmachine, verbmachine-made, adjectivemagnet, nounmagnetic, adjectivemagnifying glass, nounmantle, nounmanual, adjectivemap, verbmarker, nounmastic, nounmaterial, nounmechanism, nounmedium, nounmembrane, nounmesh, verbmetal detector, nounmethanol, nounmeths, nounmethyl alcohol, nounmica, nounmicro-, prefixmicroscope, nounmicroscopic, adjectivemode, nounmortise lock, nounmounting, nounmovement, nounnail, nounnail, verbnet, nounnib, nounnipple, nounnitroglycerine, nounnozzle, nounnut, nounoil, verboilcan, nounoperable, adjectiveoperate, verboperation, nounoperational research, nounoperator, nounoutlet, nounoxidize, verboxygen mask, nounozone-friendly, adjectivepad, nounpadlock, nounpaper, nounpart, nounpaving, nounPhotostat, nounpinion, nounpipe, nounpipette, nounpocket calculator, nounpointer, nounpolygraph, nounportico, nounpropellant, nounpump-action, adjectiverack, nounreel, nounrefrigerate, verbrelease, verbrelease, nounremote control, nounreservoir, nounresolution, nounrespirator, nounrobot, nounrobotics, nounsafe, nounsealant, nounsealer, nounsearchlight, nounsensitize, verbsetting, nounshovel, nounshovel, verbsiphon, nounsiren, nounskeleton key, nounslat, nounslide, nounsling, nounsmoke alarm, nounsonic, adjectivesoot, nounspare part, nounspigot, nounspool, nounspout, nounspray, nounspray can, nounspring, nounsprocket, nounstaple, nounsteel wool, nounsucker, nounsuction, nounSuperglue, nounswivel, nountab, nountackle, nountank, nountape, nountaper, nountechnological, adjectivetechnologist, nountechnophobe, nountelescopic, adjectivetesting ground, nountest tube, nounthinner, nounthread, nountoken, nountreadle, nountrestle, nountrestle table, nountube, nountubing, nountubular, adjectivetwo-edged, adjectivetypewriter, noununscrew, verbuntreated, adjectivevacuum-packed, adjectivevent, nounvial, nounwasher, nounwater softener, nounwaterspout, nounwheeled, adjectivewing nut, nounwooden, adjectivework-surface, nounzapper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES We huddled around the fire to keep warm. Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. The prime minister wanted to create a safe haven for the refugees. The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. Is there somewhere safe where I can leave my bike?COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
· Will there ever be a safe alternative to nuclear power?
(=safely)· It was a great relief when he arrived back safe and sound.
· Talks were held on the safe disposal of nuclear weapons.
(=enough space to be safe)· You should keep a safe distance from the car in front.
· Since I had the accident, I’m a much more careful driver.
(=driving well and carefully)· Young drivers should be educated about safe driving.
· The playground provides a safe environment for children.
(=in which you are unlikely to lose money)· Electricity shares are still a safe investment.
(=used especially to wish someone a good journey)· Have a safe journey.
(=consider that it is safe to do something)· He listened for some time before judging it safe to go downstairs.
We huddled around the fire to keep warm. (=one that involves no risk)· A special savings account can be a safe option.
Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. The prime minister wanted to create a safe haven for the refugees. The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. British English (=one that a party is unlikely to lose)· Maidstone is considered a safe seat for the Conservatives.
(=ways of having sex that reduce the spread of sexual diseases)
Is there somewhere safe where I can leave my bike?· As the new millennium begins, a world supposedly safe from war has to some degree become a world safe for war.· Nevertheless, Levin helped make the world safe for Jeffries by establishing a symmetry of crackpot ideas.· It remains to be seen whether all this makes the world safe from calamitous currency crunches.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a safe pair of hands
- The earrings seemed like a good bet for a birthday present.
- Cohen says companies like PictureTel have improved transmission quality, making video conferencing a better bet than in years past.
- Even if you spend more and risk recurring sticker shock, the place is a good bet to tranquilize you.
- It was always a safe bet, of course, that Hillsborough would be just about the least dangerous place in Britain yesterday.
- Only a few months ago he had looked like a good bet.
- Still, if a well-equipped sporty car is in your heart, the fifth-generation Prelude probably is a good bet.
- That makes them a good bet if you travel with a laptop computer.
- The supermodels are a safe bet and, in times of recession, that is what matters.
- As soon as a board attempts to interfere with management tasks it's a fair bet that profits will decline.
- He may not fancy it, but it's a safe bet that he would be the first man to do it.
- Since they're not, it's a fair bet that they show something she doesn't want you to know.
WORD FAMILYnounsafesafetyadjectivesafe ≠ unsafeadverbsafely
a strong metal box or cupboard with special locks where you keep money and valuable thingssafe1 adjectivesafe2 nounsafe3 interjection
safesafe3 interjection British English informal COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES We huddled around the fire to keep warm. Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. The prime minister wanted to create a safe haven for the refugees. The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. Is there somewhere safe where I can leave my bike?
· Will there ever be a safe alternative to nuclear power?
(=safely)· It was a great relief when he arrived back safe and sound.
· Talks were held on the safe disposal of nuclear weapons.
(=enough space to be safe)· You should keep a safe distance from the car in front.
· Since I had the accident, I’m a much more careful driver.
(=driving well and carefully)· Young drivers should be educated about safe driving.
· The playground provides a safe environment for children.
(=in which you are unlikely to lose money)· Electricity shares are still a safe investment.
(=used especially to wish someone a good journey)· Have a safe journey.
(=consider that it is safe to do something)· He listened for some time before judging it safe to go downstairs.
We huddled around the fire to keep warm. (=one that involves no risk)· A special savings account can be a safe option.
Play it safe (=avoid risks) and make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. The prime minister wanted to create a safe haven for the refugees. The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. British English (=one that a party is unlikely to lose)· Maidstone is considered a safe seat for the Conservatives.
(=ways of having sex that reduce the spread of sexual diseases)
Is there somewhere safe where I can leave my bike?PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a safe pair of hands
said by young people as a greeting- The earrings seemed like a good bet for a birthday present.
- Cohen says companies like PictureTel have improved transmission quality, making video conferencing a better bet than in years past.
- Even if you spend more and risk recurring sticker shock, the place is a good bet to tranquilize you.
- It was always a safe bet, of course, that Hillsborough would be just about the least dangerous place in Britain yesterday.
- Only a few months ago he had looked like a good bet.
- Still, if a well-equipped sporty car is in your heart, the fifth-generation Prelude probably is a good bet.
- That makes them a good bet if you travel with a laptop computer.
- The supermodels are a safe bet and, in times of recession, that is what matters.
- As soon as a board attempts to interfere with management tasks it's a fair bet that profits will decline.
- He may not fancy it, but it's a safe bet that he would be the first man to do it.
- Since they're not, it's a fair bet that they show something she doesn't want you to know.