safety net
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A physical net designed to catch and protect: A large, strong net used to catch performers (like acrobats or trapeze artists) if they fall, preventing injury. 2. A system of protection against hardship: A safeguard, guarantee, or arrangement (often provided by government programs, family, or savings) that provides security against potential disaster, such as unemployment, poverty, or financial loss.
Usage Examples
- Physical Net:
- The circus installed a safety net beneath the high-wire act.
- The acrobat practiced the dangerous stunt, confident the safety net was in place.
- Protective System:
- Savings can serve as a financial safety net in case of unexpected job loss.
- Government welfare programs are intended to be a safety net for the most vulnerable citizens.
- Having supportive family provides an important emotional safety net.
Advanced Usage
- "to have/be without a safety net": To possess or lack a protective backup system.
- Starting a business without savings is like working without a safety net.
- "a safety net for": Specifies what the system protects against.
- The policy acts as a safety net for low-income families.
Variants and Related Words
- Safety-net (adjective, often hyphenated): Describing something that functions as a safeguard.
- The program provides safety-net services for the homeless.
Synonyms
- Safeguard: A measure taken to protect someone or something.
- Backstop: Something that serves as a backup or support.
- Cushion: Something that lessens the effect of hardship.
- Protection: The act of keeping someone or something safe.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "A net to fall back on": A very similar idiom meaning a resource available in case of failure or emergency.
- Her degree gave her a net to fall back on if her artistic career didn't succeed.
Noun
- a large strong net to catch circus acrobats who fall or jump from a trapeze
- a guarantee of professional or financial security