Better Safe Than Sorry: Idiom Meaning, Origin, and Examples

Meaning of ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’

The phrase ‘better safe than sorry’ means that it’s wiser to choose the safer option than the riskier one. Basically, it’s better to avoid potential problems rather than taking a risk and facing the negative consequences that result.

Example: John hesitated to wear a helmet during his bike ride because he worried it would make him look silly. His friend reassured him, saying “Better safe than sorry.” John agreed and put the helmet on.

Similar Phrases: don’t take unnecessary risks, play it safe, prevention is better than cure, safety first

Related Idioms:
Want to discover more popular expressions that start with B? Check out our Idioms and Phrases Starting With B page for a list of them.

Fastening seat belt, better safe than sorry.
Buckle up! It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Origin of ‘Better Safe Than Sorry’

As the saying goes, better safe than sorry! However, when it comes to taking precautions, some people do not always choose the safer option. For example, some choose to leave their doors unlocked when leaving their home, reasoning that they live in a good neighborhood. While that may be true, that decision is risky. For example, if a stranger walked in and took things while the owner was at work, no doubt they would have wished they had been safer.

There are other scenarios we can look at, but the point is, if there are two options available—one being cautious, the other risky, then it’s better to pick the safer option. Otherwise we could be ‘sorry’ when we’re facing the negative consequences later on. Yes, as the expression puts it, better safe than sorry!

Anyway, this phrase appears in print as early as the mid-19th century. For example, it’s used in Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer, Feburary 1859:

“Both parties during the first innings, played with great caution, having the motto in view, ‘better safe than sorry,’ and both sides were fully determined not to give more chance than they could help.”

The phrase is also used in Eliza Cook’s Journal, December 1851, but the word ‘safe’ is replaced with ‘sure’:

“We lnaded at the rude jetty, rather hurriedly as the boatmen seemed to think, for one of them exclaimed: ‘Aisy, aisy, Sir! better be sure than sorry,’—a good maxim, worthy of being noted, like those of Captain Cuttle.”

And finally, its earliest appearance (that I know of) comes from The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper, May 1847:

“He (Mr. N ) again begged it to be distinctly understood that what he had stated he merely threw out as a suggestion, considering that it was always better to be ‘safe than sorry.’ “


Example Sentences

Let’s look at some usage cases of the idiom ‘better safe than sorry’ and similar phrases.

Example Sentences:

1. He always locks the door to his house before leaving, because he believes the saying ‘better safe than sorry.’
2. She makes sure to wear a seat belt before driving, reminding herself that it’s better safe than sorry.

Examples That Use Similar Expressions:

1. He has a strict rule to keep the stairway clear of any tripping hazards, always reminding everyone that ‘safety first’ is a priority.
2. The weather was looking unpredictable, so I decided to play it safe and delay the outdoor event by a day.
3. She preferred to not to take unnecessary risks when it comes to her health.