adj.
- protected from or not exposed to danger or risk; not likely to be harmed or lost.
▸not causing or leading to harm or injury.
▸(of a place) affording security or protection.
- often derogatory cautious and unenterprising.
- (of an assertion, verdict, etc.) based on good reasons or evidence and not likely to be proved wrong.
- uninjured; with no harm done.
- informal excellent.
n.
- a strong fireproof cabinet with a complex lock, used for the storage of valuables.
- N. Amer. informal a condom.
Phrase
- to be on the safe side
in order to have a margin of security against risks.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. sauf, from L. salvus ‘uninjured’.