Definition

1. Noun:
   • Protection or custody: "safe keeping" refers to the act of keeping something secure or in a protected state, often by placing it in a trustworthy person's care or a secure location.
   • A state of being safely stored: It denotes the condition of being kept away from harm, loss, or theft.

Usage Examples

• (She gave her jewelry to the bank to be protected.)
• (The documents are under the lawyer's protective custody.)
• (We stored the valuables in a secure box to prevent loss.)

Advanced Usage

• "for safe keeping": used as a prepositional phrase indicating the purpose of protection.
  • He left his passport with the hotel receptionist for safe keeping. (He left his passport with the receptionist to be kept secure.)

Variants and Related Words

• Safekeeping (n): a compound noun meaning the same as "safe keeping," often written as one word.
  • The museum offers safekeeping for rare artifacts. (The museum provides secure storage for rare items.)
• Keep (v): to have or hold in one's possession or care.
  • Please keep this letter safe. (Hold this letter securely.)
• Safe (adj): free from danger or risk.
  • The money is safe in the vault. (The money is not in danger.)

Synonyms

• Custody: the protective care or guardianship of someone or something.
• Protection: the action of keeping someone or something safe.
• Storage: the action of keeping something for future use in a safe place.

Related Idioms

• In safe hands: under the care of a reliable person or organization.
  • Your project is in safe hands with our team. (Your project is being handled reliably.)
• Under lock and key: securely locked up.
  • The priceless painting is kept under lock and key. (The painting is locked away securely.)