better safe than sorry

Meaning

This expression is used to recommend caution or taking preventive measures, even if they seem unnecessary at the time. It suggests that it is wiser to be careful than to risk a bad outcome and regret it later. It is a very common, friendly piece of advice.

Examples

• I'm going to bring an umbrella, even though the sun is out; better safe than sorry.

  I'm going to bring an umbrella, even though the sun is out; better safe than sorry.

• Let's double-check the flight time—better safe than sorry.

  Let's double-check the flight time—better safe than sorry.

• I backed up all my files on an external drive; better safe than sorry, right?

  I backed up all my files on an external drive; better safe than sorry, right?

• Even though it's just a mild scratch, we should have the doctor look at it—better safe than sorry.

  Even though it's just a mild scratch, we should have the doctor look at it—better safe than sorry.

• I locked the back gate twice because it's better safe than sorry.

  I locked the back gate twice because it's better safe than sorry.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ It is better safe than to be sorry.

  ✓ It is better safe than sorry.

  The idiom is a fixed phrase. Adding "to be" breaks the natural flow and structure of the expression.

• ✗ I brought an extra jacket because it's better safely than sorry.

  ✓ I brought an extra jacket because it's better safe than sorry.

  Do not change "safe" (adjective) to "safely" (adverb). The idiom requires the adjective form.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I always lock my car even when parked in my own driveway; ___.

  💡 It's better to take precautions than regret it later.

  Show answer

  better safe than sorry

• We should leave for the airport early. ___, especially with this holiday traffic.

  💡 A common saying about being cautious.

  Show answer

  Better safe than sorry