Meaning & use
in safe hands
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
Being cared for or managed by someone who is reliable and competent.
Grammar: Used after 'be' or 'put': The children are in safe hands.
Patterns
- be in safe hands
- put something in safe hands
- leave something in safe hands
Don't worry about the children; they're in safe hands with their grandmother.
The company's future is in safe hands with the new CEO.
You can leave your car in safe hands at this garage.
phrasefixed phrase
Being dealt with by someone who will not cause harm or damage.
Grammar: Often used about important documents or valuables: The documents are in safe hands.
Patterns
- be in safe hands
- keep something in safe hands
Your personal data is in safe hands with our secure system.
The original manuscript is in safe hands at the museum.
Common combinations
- be in safe hands
- With Dr. Lee as your surgeon, you're in safe hands.
- leave someone in safe hands
- She left the baby in safe hands and went back to work.
- put something in safe hands
- They put the money in safe hands by hiring a financial adviser.
- in good hands
- The project is in good hands with the new manager.
Synonyms and how they differ
- in good hands
- Very similar, but 'in good hands' is slightly more common and informal; 'in safe hands' emphasizes safety from harm.
- well cared for
- Focuses on the care given, while 'in safe hands' focuses on the ability of the person in charge.
Opposites
Practice
Don't worry about the project; it's ___.
Choose one answer.
The fixed idiom is 'in safe hands' (plural 'hands'). The other options are not used in English.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “in safe hands”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.