# safe and sound

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/safe-and-sound
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The kids are home safe and sound.
- After the storm passed, we found the dog hiding in the shed, safe and sound.
- When the rescue team finally reached the stranded hikers at dawn, they were cold and hungry but thankfully safe and sound.

## Origin

A conjunction of safe and sound, signifying one who is neither in danger nor lacking in health. The construction finds a parallel in the Old French phrase sauf et sain.

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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.