PhrasesHub

As safe as houses

    Definitions

      • Very safe and secure
        To describe something or someone that is extremely secure and unlikely to experience any harm or danger, often in a physical sense

      • Strong and stable
        To refer to something or someone that is reliable, solid, and difficult to break, often in a figurative sense

      • Highly valuable or profitable
        To emphasize the safety and security of a valuable investment or opportunity, implying that it is a sure and profitable choice

    Examples of As safe as houses

    • Although Emma had never skydived before, she jumped out of the plane with no hesitation. Some might say she was as safe as houses up there in the sky.

      This idiom means that someone is in a very secure and reliable position. In Emma's case, she felt completely safe and secure while skydiving, despite the fact that skydiving itself is not an inherently safe activity. The idea behind this idiom is that a person's house is a safe and secure place where they can feel protected and free from harm. The phrase "as safe as houses" means that Emma was in a position that was just as safe and secure as being at home in bed.

    • The new CEO promised to turn the struggling company around, claiming that the business was now as safe as houses. The stock prices soared as investors felt more secure in the company's future.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a situation or company as being extremely reliable and secure. The new CEO's confidence in the company's future helped to reassure investors, causing stock prices to rise.

    • Mike hesitated to invest in the small startup company because he wasn't convinced that it was as safe as houses.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to make a comparison between two things. Mike was comparing the startup company to his own home, which he perceived as being a safer and more secure investment.

    • Sarah's new boss promised her that her job was as safe as houses, but she couldn't help feeling uneasy when she heard that the company was downsizing.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a conditional statement. Sarah's boss assured her that her job was secure, but unexpected events (such as the company's downsizing) could still lead to job loss and insecurity.

    • The police officer assured the witness that her testimony would be kept confidential, stating that her safety was of the utmost importance and that she was as safe as houses.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a statement of reassurance or protection. The police officer was projecting a sense of security and safety to the witness, informing her that her safety was paramount and that she could trust them.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "as safe as houses" is typically used to convey a sense of extreme safety and stability. It can be used to describe physical objects or situations, as well as figurative concepts such as reliability and profitability. Overall, the phrase is often used to emphasize a sense of security and certainty.

    Origin of "As safe as houses"

    The origin of this idiom is believed to come from the early 19th century in England, when houses were considered to be the most secure and stable form of investment. This was a time when banks and financial institutions were not as well-regulated as they are today, making property ownership a more reliable and secure option for individuals looking to invest their money.

    The phrase may also have been influenced by the fact that houses were seen as a symbol of wealth and status, therefore representing a sense of safety and security in terms of social standing. Additionally, the use of the word "house" as a metaphor for a strong and stable foundation can be traced back to biblical references, further reinforcing the idea of security and stability.

    Over time, the idiom "as safe as houses" has become a commonly used phrase in the English language, with its meaning evolving to encompass a broader range of concepts related to safety and security. However, its origins can still be traced back to the idea of houses being a symbol of safety and solidity in the early 19th century.