“Better safe than sorry” is an idiom in the English language that people use in everyday conversation. You have likely used this expression yourself at some point, but many people don’t know its true meaning. Let’s understand the actual meaning of this idiom, explore when and how it originated, and see some real-life examples sentences that will help you use this expression with ease.
Meaning of the Idiom
The idiom “better safe than sorry” means it’s smarter to take precautions or be cautious, even if it seems unnecessary, rather than risk something bad happening because you didn’t prepare.
Origin of the Idiom
The idiom “better safe than sorry” is often used to suggest taking precautions to avoid potential problems, even if it seems unnecessary. The phrase is believed to date back to the early 19th century. It first appeared in Samuel Lover’s 1837 novel Rory O’More, and its use has spread ever since as advice to prioritize safety over regret. The idiom’s core message is simple: it’s better to take extra measures to ensure safety than to deal with the consequences of not doing so later.
According to Idiom Origins, the earliest recorded use in the U.S. was found in Murder at the Hunting Club by M. Plum. Variations of the phrase, such as “better be safe than sorry,” have been common over time
Examples Sentences
1. He decided to carry some extra cash just in case, thinking it’s always better safe than sorry.
2. When planning the road trip, they packed an emergency kit, knowing that it’s better safe than sorry.
3. She always makes sure to lock the doors twice, because it’s better safe than sorry when you’re at home alone.
4. I added a few extra days to my vacation, figuring it’s better safe than sorry if something unexpected comes up.
5. When I wasn’t sure about the meeting time, I showed up early—better safe than sorry when it comes to work.
Using ‘Better Safe than Sorry’ in Daily Conversation
Now that you know the meaning and origin of the idiom “better safe than sorry,” let’s see how you can use it in a real-world conversation.
Conversation 1:
Lily and Ethan are planning a road trip and discussing what to pack.
Lily: Do we really need to bring a first-aid kit and an extra spare tire? We’re only going a few hours away.
Ethan: It might seem unnecessary, but you never know what could happen on the road. Better safe than sorry, right?
Lily: I guess you’re right. We wouldn’t want to get stranded if something goes wrong.
Ethan: Exactly! A little preparation now can save us from a big hassle later.
Conversation 2:
Tom and Mia are getting ready for a final exam.
Mia: I think I’m ready for tomorrow. Do you really think we need to review the whole study guide again?
Tom: Yeah, it might feel like overkill, but better safe than sorry. We don’t want any surprises.
Mia: You’re right. It’s better to put in the extra effort now than regret it later
Tom: Exactly! A little more prep can make a huge difference.
Similar Idioms
Meaning: This idiom emphasizes the importance of considering risks before taking action, aligning with the idea of exercising caution to avoid regrets.
Example: He wanted to quit his job and start a new business, but I advised him to look before he leaps.
2. An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Meaning: This phrase suggests that it’s better to prevent a problem than to deal with its consequences, resonating with the concept of prioritizing safety.
Example: She always backs up her files regularly, knowing that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Idioms Starting From Letter B
Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter B. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘B’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the B-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter B.
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