ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cover one's bases

idiom
Meaning

To be thorough; to prepare thoroughly or completely.


Examples
SIMPLE

I double-checked my bags to cover my bases.

CONTEXTUAL

She brought an extra umbrella and a map to cover her bases before the long hike.

COMPLEX

To cover their bases against potential legal challenges, the committee meticulously documented every decision made during the lengthy negotiation process.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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