ENGLISH
REFERENCE

safe and sound

idiom
Meaning

Having come to no harm, especially after being exposed to danger.

Origin

disputed origin

Conjunction of safe (“not in danger”) and sound (“intact, healthy”). Compare with Old French sauf et sain.

Examples
SIMPLE

The kids are home safe and sound.

CONTEXTUAL

After the storm passed, we found the dog hiding in the shed, safe and sound.

COMPLEX

When the rescue team finally reached the stranded hikers at dawn, they were cold and hungry but thankfully safe and sound.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    I can't hear you over the sound of

    Said to dismiss what the interlocutor is saying.

  2. 02

    like the sound of one's own voice

    To talk a lot.

  3. 03

    safe in the knowledge

    Confidently, because one is certain that something relevant to the situation is true.

  4. 04

    sound asleep

    Sleeping still and silently.

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