Question of the Day #889

For modern Vietnamese food, the list isn’t large. Some places in LA do it well but play it safe. We need people to push boundaries.

From the 7th paragraph of this article at Portland Monthly.

  上記の文で、play it safeの意味は？
In the sentence above, what does "play it safe" mean?

  答えは、コメントに書いてください。
Write your answer in the Comments.

明日、ここに答えを書きます。
I will add the answer and other remarks here tomorrow.

 

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解答

意味：
英辞郎によると、

安全策［大事］を取る、安全第一でいく

このイディオムは、前向きに使うことができますが、問題文のように否定的に使うことも多いので「冒険をしない」「無理をしない」等と訳してもいいと思います。
 

Answer

According to The Free Dictionary:

To not take any unwarranted risks or dangers; to act with caution and prudence.

   

Examples

• I think I'll play it safe and take the earlier train.
• Playing it safe, he left fifteen minutes early to be sure he arrived on time.
• It tells you now what it told them then: Play it safe. Avoid risk. Evade confrontation. Don't venture outside the territory ...
• Despite the initial popularity of their product, the company has been playing it safe, deciding not to ramp up production until they are sure momentum will continue.
• I think you should have your car looked at by a mechanic before your big road trip. Better to play it safe than end up stuck in the middle of nowhere!

   

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