Example: Um Fehler zu vermeiden, gehe ich bei der Prüfung auf Nummer sicher.
Definition
"Auf Nummer sicher gehen" means to take precautions or act cautiously to avoid mistakes or risks. It implies choosing the safest or most reliable option to ensure a successful or error-free outcome, as in 'To avoid errors, I take no chances during the exam.'
Translations
be on the safe side
ir sobre seguro
het zekere voor het onzekere nemen
anar sobre segur
jouer la prudence
Etymology
The phrase "auf Nummer sicher gehen" literally translates to 'go on number safe' and originates from gambling or games of chance, where picking a specific number guaranteed a safer bet. Over time, it evolved to mean acting cautiously or choosing the safest course of action in various situations.
Learn to use this expression actively
"Auf Nummer sicher gehen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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be on the safe side