safety net


noun

a large net rigged between a person, as a trapeze performer, and the ground as protection in a fall.
something that provides a margin of protection or security: the safety net of federal credit for financial institutions.

Origin of safety net

First recorded in 1945–50

OTHER WORDS FROM safety net

safe·ty-net, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for safety net

British Dictionary definitions for safety net

safety net

noun

a net used in a circus to catch high-wire and trapeze artistes if they fall
any means of protection from hardship or loss, such as insurance