# cover one's bases

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cover-ones-bases
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be thorough; to prepare thoroughly or completely.

## Examples

- I double-checked my bags to cover my bases.
- She brought an extra umbrella and a map to cover her bases before the long hike.
- To cover their bases against potential legal challenges, the committee meticulously documented every decision made during the lengthy negotiation process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.