safe

safe1 [ seıf ] adjective ***

▸ 1 protected from harm etc.

▸ 2 not likely to cause harm

▸ 3 not damaged/hurt/lost

▸ 4 not involving risk

▸ 5 not likely to upset someone

▸ + PHRASES

1. ) never before noun protected from being hurt, damaged, lost, stolen, etc.:

Will my car be safe if I park it on the street?

safe from: Steps are being taken to make airports safe from terrorist attacks.

keep something safe: Make sure to keep your credit card safe.

a ) used about places and situations where you are protected from danger:

We live in a very safe neighborhood.

a safe environment for children

a safe distance: We admired the bear and her cub from a safe distance.

2. ) not likely to cause damage, injury, or harm:

Traveling by airplane is much safer than driving your own car.

The area behind the fence is not considered to be safe.

safe for: Is the ride safe enough for a 5-year-old?

3. ) not damaged, hurt, or lost:

Rescuers found the children safe but scared inside the house.

safe and sound (=not damaged or harmed at all): The ride across the desert was awful, but in the end we got there safe and sound.

safe return/arrival: They are demanding the release and safe return of the hostages.

4. ) something that is safe does not involve a lot of risk:

Government bonds are a very safe investment.

5. ) not likely to upset people or cause disagreement:

Don't mention the election to him; it's not a safe subject.

better safe than sorry SPOKEN

used for saying that you should behave carefully, even if this seems difficult or unnecessary, so that you will not have problems later

in safe hands

protected from harm or danger by a particular person or organization:

The company's future is in safe hands with Walsh in charge.

it's safe to say SPOKEN

used for saying that something is likely to be correct:

I think it's safe to say that the crisis period is over.

on the safe side

in a situation that involves very little risk because you have behaved very carefully:

Just to be on the safe side, take an umbrella.

safe in the knowledge that

confident and not worried because you know that something is true:

He quit his job, safe in the knowledge that he already had another one.

safe

safe 2 [ seıf ] noun count *

a strong metal box with a special lock, used for storing valuable things