safe

Word family  noun safe safety adjective safe ≠ unsafe adverb safely

 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++safe1 /seɪf/ ●●● S2 W2 adjective (comparative safer, superlative safest)  1  not in danger 没有危险 [not before noun]SAFE not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen 安全的，没有危险的 OPP unsafe → safety She doesn’t feel safe in the house on her own. 她独自一人在家感到不安全。safe from The birds’ nests are high up, safe from predators. 鸟巢筑在高处，安全地避开了捕食者。 Make sure you keep these documents safe. 你一定要妥善保管这些文件。be (as) safe as houses British English (=be completely safe) 绝对安全 Your money will be as safe as houses. 你的钱将会安然无恙。2  not harmed or lost 没有受到伤害或丢失 not harmed, lost, or stolen 平安无事的 Your family are all safe. 你的家人都平安无事。safe and sound/well (=unharmed, especially after being in danger) 〔尤指经历危险后〕安然无恙的 The missing children were found safe and sound. 失踪的孩子们找到了，他们都安然无恙。3  not causing harm 不会造成伤害的SAFE not likely to cause any physical injury or harm 不会造成危险的，安全的 OPP dangerous Flying is one of the safest forms of travel. 乘飞机是最安全的出行方式之一。 Don’t go near the edge – it isn’t safe. 不要靠近边缘——这不安全。 a safe working environment 安全的工作环境it is safe (for somebody) to do something Is it safe to swim here? 这里游泳安全吗？safe to use/drink/eat etc The water is treated to make it safe to drink. 这里的水经过处理，可以安全饮用。safe for play areas that are safe for children 安全的儿童游乐区(at/from) a safe distance We watched from a safe distance. 我们在安全的距离观看。 Drivers should keep a safe distance from the car in front. 驾驶员应该与前面的车辆保持安全距离。safe driver Women are safer drivers than men. 女性开车比男性安全。4  no risk 没有风险CERTAINLY/DEFINITELY not involving any risk and very likely to be successful 安全的，没有风险的 a safe investment 没有风险的投资 a safe method of contraception 安全的避孕方法it’s safe to say/assume (that) I think it’s safe to say that the future is looking pretty good. 我想可以肯定地说前景是乐观的。5  safe place SAFEa place where something is not likely to be stolen or lost 保险的地方，安全的地方keep/put something in a safe place Keep your credit cards in a safe place. 把信用卡放在安全的地方。6  safe journey/arrival/return etc SAFEa journey etc when someone or something is not harmed or lost 平安的旅行/到达/归来等 His family celebrated his safe return home. 家人庆祝他平安归来。safe journey British English (=said to someone when they start a long journey) 一路平安 Dad rang to wish me a safe journey. 爸爸打电话来祝我一路平安。7  subject 话题AGREE a safe subject of conversation is not likely to upset anyone or make people argue 保险的，不会令人不快的，不会引起争议的 I kept to safe subjects, like the weather. 我只谈一些无关痛痒的话题，例如天气。8  to be on the safe side spokenCAREFUL to do something in order to be certain to avoid an unpleasant situation 为安全起见，为了稳妥 I’d take an umbrella, just to be on the safe side. 为稳妥起见，我还是带把伞好。9  be in safe hands DEPEND ON/RELY ONto be with someone who will look after you very well 在可靠的人手里，受到妥善照顾 Everyone wants to feel that their children are in safe hands. 人人都希望认为自己的孩子交到了安全可靠的人手里。10  better (to be) safe than sorry spokenCAREFUL used to say that it is better to be careful, even if this takes time, effort etc, than take a risk that may have a bad result 宁愿稳妥以免后悔 Set the alarm clock – better safe than sorry! 给闹钟设好时间——宁求稳妥以免后悔啦！11  safe in the knowledge that ... completely certain that something is true or will happen 确信…，肯定… She went out, safe in the knowledge that no one else was awake. 她确定其他人都没醒，就出去了。12. a safe pair of hands DEPEND ON/RELY ONsomeone you can trust to do a difficult job without making mistakes 信得过的人n13. → safe!14  no problem 没问题 British English spoken informal used to say that something is good and that there is no problem 挺好，没问题 ‘How’s your new boss?’ ‘She’s safe.’ “你的新老板怎样？”“她挺好。” → play it safe at play1(9), → it’s a safe bet (that) at bet2(4), → safe seat at seat1(2), → somebody’s secret is safe (with somebody) at secret2(1)n THESAURUSnot in dangersafe not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen. Also used about a place where someone or something is safeI don’t feel safe around here.Keep your valuables in a safe place.secure if something is secure, it is safe from thieves and criminals. Also used about a place where something is safeHow do I know that my personal details are secure?The money is in a very secure place.well protected not likely to be damaged or harmed by somethingThe equipment was well protected from the rain.Always make sure that you are well protected from the sun.out of harm’s way in a place where someone or something cannot be hurt or damagedShe put the glass vases on the top shelf, out of harm’s way.Make sure that he stays out of harm’s way.not harmed or damagedsafe not harmed or damagedThe children are all safe.OK/all right informal safe and not hurtI was glad to hear that you were OK.unharmed not hurtThe kidnappers released the young man unharmed.unscathed /ʌnˈskeɪðd/ not hurt or damaged, after an accident, an attack, or a dangerous experience – used when you are surprised by thisThe baby escaped unscathed. Miraculously, the old part of the city remained unscathed.in one piece informal not harmed or damaged, especially after a journey or a dangerous experienceI’m glad you’re home in one piece.out of danger safe, after being in a dangerous situationAs soon as they were out of danger, they stopped for a rest. His doctors say he is out of danger.

Examples from the Corpus

safe• As long as we keep to the main road we should be safe.• Our buses have to pass a safety test each year and are perfectly safe.• Tom's plan seemed simple and safe.• There was a sort of noisy anonymity about the rattling carriage which made him feel safe.• I'm trusting you with these documents, so make sure you keep them safe.• The missing children were eventually found at a friend's house, safe and sound.• White noise is as safe as a lullaby.• the safe disposal of radioactive waste• New powers to refuse wastes and revoke licences are potentially powerful weapons in controlling the movement and safe disposal of wastes.• Hiding in the hedge a safe distance from the truck, she waited for the man to appear.• Mothers held on to their children tightly, letting them watch the fireworks from a safe distance.• One looked safe enough, bearing, as it did, Mr Yarrow's distinctive scrawl.• Dr Williams said the drug would continue to be used because it was safe for most patients.• We want the streets to be safe for our children.• I closed the curtains around the bed, and felt safe from Heathcliff and everyone else at Wuthering Heights.• The turtles lay their eggs in the damp sand where they are safe from predators.• Your money will be safer in the bank.• Do you think she'll be safe in the house all alone?• I feel pretty safe in this building.• Bye Sarah, have a safe journey.• Ericka Emery, 13, feels safer now.• Seemingly the safest of all securitised corporate lending is the market for commercial paper.• Keep the receipt in a safe place.• She tends to choose safe, politically acceptable topics for her films.• Do teenagers know enough about safe sex and contraception?• To be on the safe side I spent two hours in the drain, shivering for most of the second hour.• Would it be safer to park my car in the driveway?keep ... safe• But it is the rear-view binocular field which is of particular use in keeping the rabbit safe.• Playpens or other harnesses, for instance, may be used frequently to keep their chil-dren safe.• Their message for the winter is keep warm ... but keep safe.• Very small children were sometimes sat on the cabin top and tied to the chimney to keep them safe.• Let's keep our roads safe and tighten motoring law to rid our roads of these death traps once and for all.• She sat down rather stiffly on the grass, being careful to keep a safe distance between them.• If you bring something to them, they assume it's your's, and they keep it safe for you.• There is a way to keep your will safe, sound and confidential.safe and sound/well• He gave me the good news that Elizabeth and Ernest were safe and well.• I hope that by the time this appears, Sarah will have been found safe and well.• Ringing from her local radio station, she heard her husband Duane is safe and sound.• Their principal duty is making sure the two little princesses are safe and well.• They were indeed what they could only have been-the two scouting vessels which had returned, safe and sound.• But she turned up safe and well at dawn when she walked into a mobile police station just yards away.• It's a place where they are safe and well fed.• Cling to him, and we shall be safe and sound from every danger.keep a safe distance• She sat down rather stiffly on the grass, being careful to keep a safe distance between them.• In order to keep a safe distance, one waits while the light holds on red.it’s safe to say/assume (that)• His world, it's safe to say, will not fall apart if the Lemonheads do.nsafe!British English spoken informal used by young people to show approval of something 酷！棒！好！〔年轻人用来表示赞成某事〕 ‘Alex is having a party.’ ‘Oh, safe!’ “亚历克斯要开派对。”“噢，太好了！”

Related topics: Technology

safe2 ●○○ noun [countable]   BTa strong metal box or cupboard with special locks where you keep money and valuable things 保险柜，保险箱

Examples from the Corpus

safe• He ignored both the display cases and the safe which was concealed behind a framed eighteenth-century engraving of the City of London.• The safe being a large cabinet with a fine wire-mesh door to keep flies off fresh food.• This is the money that banks keep in their safes or tills for everyday use.safe3 interjection British English informal  said by young people as a greeting 嗨，喂〔年轻人打招呼时说〕From Longman Business Dictionarysafesafe1 /seɪf/ adjective1not likely to cause any harm or injuryOur products are safe when used correctly.Recycling is a safer and cheaper alternative to burning waste.2not in danger of being lost, harmed, or stolenHow safe is your job?safe fromWith this software, users should be safe from virus attacks.3[only before a noun] not involving any risk and very likely to succeedThe dollar is usually regarded as a safe investment.In a weak economy, precious metals stocks are a safe haven for investors (=people who invest in them are unlikely to lose money).4play it safe to not take any risksBankers are playing it safe by investing in well-established blue chip stocks.safesafe2 noun [countable] a strong metal box or other container with strong locks, where you keep your money and other valuable things → night safeOrigin safe1 (1200-1300) Old French sauf, from Latin salvus “safe, healthy”

safe1 adjective →n THESAURUS1safe!safe2 nounsafe3 interjectionLDOCE OnlineChinese  

of not Business in harmed, danger Corpus being or lost, stolen

safe

I

safe¹ S2 W2 /seɪf/ adjective (comparative safer, superlative safest)1.  NOT IN DANGER  [not before noun] not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen
   OPP  unsafe ⇨ safety:
    She doesn’t feel safe in the house on her own.
    safe from
    The birds’ nests are high up, safe from predators.
    Make sure you keep these documents safe.
    be (as) safe as houses British English (=be completely safe)
    Your money will be as safe as houses.
2.  NOT HARMED OR LOST not harmed, lost, or stolen:
    Your family are all safe.
    safe and sound/well (=unharmed, especially after being in danger)
    The missing children were found safe and sound.
3.  NOT CAUSING HARM not likely to cause any physical injury or harm
   OPP  dangerous:
    Flying is one of the safest forms of travel.
    Don’t go near the edge – it isn’t safe.
    a safe working environment
    it is safe (for somebody) to do something
    Is it safe to swim here?
    safe to use/drink/eat etc
    The water is treated to make it safe to drink.
    safe for
    play areas that are safe for children
    (at/from) a safe distance
    We watched from a safe distance.
    Drivers should keep a safe distance from the car in front.
    safe driver
    Women are safer drivers than men.
4.  NO RISK not involving any risk and very likely to be successful:
    a safe investment
    a safe method of contraception
    it’s safe to say/assume (that)
    I think it’s safe to say that the future is looking pretty good.
5. safe place a place where something is not likely to be stolen or lost
    keep/put something in a safe place
    Keep your credit cards in a safe place.
6. safe journey/arrival/return etc a journey etc when someone or something is not harmed or lost:
    His family celebrated his safe return home.
    safe journey British English (=said to someone when they start a long journey)
    Dad rang to wish me a safe journey.
7.  SUBJECT a safe subject of conversation is not likely to upset anyone or make people argue:
    I kept to safe subjects, like the weather.
8. to be on the safe side spoken to do something in order to be certain to avoid an unpleasant situation:
    I’d take an umbrella, just to be on the safe side.
9. be in safe hands to be with someone who will look after you very well:
    Everyone wants to feel that their children are in safe hands.
10. better (to be) safe than sorry spoken used to say that it is better to be careful, even if this takes time, effort etc, than take a risk that may have a bad result:
    Set the alarm clock – better safe than sorry__
11. safe in the knowledge that ... completely certain that something is true or will happen:
    She went out, safe in the knowledge that no one else was awake.
12. a safe pair of hands someone you can trust to do a difficult job without making mistakes
13. safe__ British English spoken informal used by young people to show approval of something:
    ‘Alex is having a party.’ ‘Oh, safe__’
14.  NO PROBLEM British English spoken informal used to say that something is good and that there is no problem:
    ‘How’s your new boss?’ ‘She’s safe.’
⇨ play it safe at play¹(9), ⇨ it’s a safe bet (that) at bet²(4), ⇨ safe seat at seat¹(2), ⇨ sb’s secret is safe (with somebody) at secret²(1)
     

THESAURUS

■ not in danger
   ▪ safe not in danger of being harmed, lost, or stolen. Also used about a place where someone or something is safe: I don’t feel safe around here. | Keep your valuables in a safe place.
   ▪ secure if something is secure, it is safe from thieves and criminals. Also used about a place where something is safe: How do I know that my personal details are secure? | The money is in a very secure place.
   ▪ well protected not likely to be damaged or harmed by something: The equipment was well protected from the rain. | Always make sure that you are well protected from the sun.
   ▪ out of harm’s way in a place where someone or something cannot be hurt or damaged: She put the glass vases on the top shelf, out of harm’s way. | Make sure that he stays out of harm’s way.
■ not harmed or damaged
   ▪ safe not harmed or damaged: The children are all safe.
   ▪ OK/all right informal safe and not hurt: I was glad to hear that you were OK.
   ▪ unharmed not hurt: The kidnappers released the young man unharmed.
   ▪ unscathed /ʌnˈskeɪðd/ not hurt or damaged, after an accident, an attack, or a dangerous experience – used when you are surprised by this: The baby escaped unscathed. | Miraculously, the old part of the city remained unscathed.
   ▪ in one piece informal not harmed or damaged, especially after a journey or a dangerous experience: I’m glad you’re home in one piece.
   ▪ out of danger safe, after being in a dangerous situation: As soon as they were out of danger, they stopped for a rest. | His doctors say he is out of danger.

II

safe² noun [countable]
a strong metal box or cupboard with special locks where you keep money and valuable things

III

safe³ interjection British English informal
said by young people as a greeting