safe and sound

Meaning

This idiom means completely safe and unharmed, especially after a long journey, a dangerous situation, or a period of absence. It is widely used in casual conversation to reassure friends or family that someone has arrived or returned safely.

Examples

• We arrived in London safe and sound after a long flight.

  We arrived in London safe and sound after a long flight.

• The lost dog was found safe and sound in the park.

  The lost dog was found safe and sound in the park.

• Text me when you get home so I know you're safe and sound.

  Text me when you get home so I know you're safe and sound.

• Despite the heavy storm, the hikers returned safe and sound.

  Despite the heavy storm, the hikers returned safe and sound.

• It's a relief to see you safe and sound after that scary news.

  It's a relief to see you safe and sound after that scary news.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ They arrived sound and safe.

  ✓ They arrived safe and sound.

  This is a binomial pair (a fixed idiom). The order of the words cannot be reversed; it must always be 'safe and sound'.

• ✗ I hope you arrive safely and soundly.

  ✓ I hope you arrive safe and sound.

  Do not turn this idiomatic phrase into adverbs. Even though it describes how someone arrived, we keep the adjective forms 'safe' and 'sound'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The kids returned from their camping trip ___.

  💡 Unharmed and completely safe.

  Show answer

  safe and sound

• Please call me as soon as you get to the hotel ___.

  💡 Without any trouble or injury during the trip.

  Show answer

  safe and sound