Meaning
It is wiser to act with caution and take extra precautions beforehand than to risk a mistake, accident, or regret later.
It encourages prudence and defensive decision-making in daily life or work.
Origin
The idiom originated in Ireland in the early 19th century as ‘Better safe than sorry’. Samuel Lover used it in his 1837 novel ‘Rory O’More’, after which it spread widely across the English-speaking world.
Examples
Take an umbrella with you even if it’s sunny now; better safe than sorry.
We should back up all server data before installing the update—better safe than sorry.
I locked all the windows twice before leaving for vacation, better safe than sorry.
A: Do we really need to check the tire pressure before a short trip?
B: Absolutely, better safe than sorry.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'Better safe than sorry' mean?
It is wiser to act with caution and take extra precautions beforehand than to risk a mistake, accident, or regret later.
It encourages prudence and defensive decision-making in daily life or work.