What does “Belt and suspenders” mean?
"Belt and suspenders" means taking extra precautions or being overly cautious.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always wears a belt and suspenders, just to be safe.
Example
She double-checks everything, she's definitely a belt and suspenders type of person.
Example
The company implemented belt and suspenders security measures to protect their data
Is “Belt and suspenders” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Belt and suspenders” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Belt and suspenders” effectively in context?
You can use "Belt and Suspenders" to describe someone who takes extra precautions or is overly cautious. It emphasizes the idea of being thorough and ensuring safety. For example, if a friend always carries an umbrella even on sunny days, you might say, 'He's a "belt and suspenders" kind of guy.'
- 1Personal Safety
She always wears a belt and suspenders when going hiking, just to be safe.
- 2Organizational Practices
The company implemented belt and suspenders security measures to protect their data.
- 3Personality Traits
She double-checks everything, she's definitely a belt and suspenders type of person.
Similar phrases to “Belt and suspenders”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Belt and suspenders” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Belt and Suspenders" is unknown.
Is “Belt and suspenders” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Belt and Suspenders" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who takes extra precautions or is overly cautious.
What tone does “Belt and suspenders” have?
"Belt and Suspenders" conveys a tone of thoroughness and caution. It's often used to describe someone who goes above and beyond to ensure safety or accuracy.
Can “Belt and suspenders” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Belt and Suspenders" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of taking extra precautions. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He always wears a belt and suspenders, just to be safe.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Better go "belt and suspenders"!' to imply the need for extra caution.
