PhrasesHub

Belt and braces

    Definitions

      • cautious, thorough, and risk-averse behavior
        Describes someone who takes extra precautions and is overly prepared for a situation, often to the point of being overly cautious or redundant.

      • redundancy and excess
        Refers to someone who goes above and beyond what is necessary or expected, often resulting in unnecessary effort or resources being used.

      • assurance and safety
        Can also convey a sense of security and safety, as in having both a belt and braces (or suspenders) to hold up one's pants, ensuring they won't fall down.

    Examples of Belt and braces

    • John decided to secure his house with both a deadbolt lock and a chain lock as a belt and braces approach to protect his valuables.

      The phrase "belt and braces" is used to describe taking additional or unnecessary measures to ensure something is done properly. In this example, John is using both a deadbolt lock and a chain lock as an added measure of security to ensure his valuables are protected.

    • After triple checking the reports, Sally's boss suggested that they should also get a second opinion from a senior analyst as a belt and braces strategy.

      Here, Sally's boss wants to ensure the accuracy of the reports, so he suggests getting a second opinion from a senior analyst in addition to the reviews already done by Sally. This is a way to double check the reports and ensure that nothing has been overlooked.

    • The construction project was delayed due to a lack of funding, so the project manager decided to explore all possible avenues for financing and also applied for government grants as a belt and braces approach.

      In this example, the project manager wants to ensure that the project has enough funding to proceed. Therefore, she is exploring all possible avenues for financing, as well as applying for government grants. This is a way to ensure that the project is fully funded and can move forward.

    • To guarantee the success of their product launch, the marketing team conducted extensive market research, hired a PR agency, and also created a social media strategy as a belt and braces approach.

      Here, the marketing team is taking additional measures to ensure that their product launch is successful. They are conducting extensive market research to understand their target audience, hiring a PR agency to manage their public relations, and also creating a social media strategy to reach their customers where they spend their time online. These measures provide a comprehensive approach to ensure the success of their product launch.

    • In order to ensure the security of our building, we have not only installed the latest CCTVs but also added a security guard at the gates. This is our belt and braces approach.

      This idiom means taking extra precautions or measures to ensure that a particular thing is done or completed properly. Here, the company has not only installed CCTVs but also added a security guard to double-check the security of the building. This is the belt and braces approach, where the company is being extra cautious.

    • If you want to pass your final exams with flying colors, it's better to prepare yourself thoroughly. We suggest you attend all your lectures, take notes, complete all your assignments, and revise them a couple of times before the exam. This would be our belt and braces approach.

      Here, the company is suggesting that students should take extra measures to prepare for their exams. Attending all lectures, taking notes, completing assignments, and revising them a couple of times before the exam are the extra measures. This is the belt and braces approach, where students would be fully prepared for their exams and increase their chances of passing them.

    • The architect has not only created a structural design for the building but also included plans for electrical and plumbing works. This is our belt and braces approach.

      Here, the architect has designed not only the structure of the building but also included plans for electrical and plumbing works. This would ensure that the building is not only beautiful but also functional. This is the belt and braces approach, where the architect is taking extra measures to ensure that the building is functional and beautiful.

    • The car manufacturer has not only installed the latest safety features in the car but also conducted rigorous tests to ensure that the car is safe and meets all safety standards. This is our belt and braces approach.

      Here, the car manufacturer has not only installed safety features in the car but also conducted rigorous tests to ensure that the car is safe and meets all safety standards. This would ensure that the car is not only technologically advanced but also safe for the driver and passengers. This is the belt and braces approach, where the manufacturer is taking extra measures to ensure safety in the car.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "belt and braces" can be used to describe someone who is overly cautious or thorough, often to the point of being redundant. It can also convey a sense of excess or assurance and safety in certain situations.

    Some may use this idiom in a negative light, implying that the person being described is wasting time or resources by being overly prepared. Others may use it to praise someone for their attention to detail and thoroughness.

    Regardless of the intention, "belt and braces" can also be used as a cautionary phrase, advising against taking unnecessary or excessive precautions.

    Origin of "Belt and braces"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early 1800s in England. In this context, "belt" refers to a person's waistband or waistline, while "braces" refer to suspenders that hold up one's pants. Both of these items were commonly worn by men during this time period.

    The phrase was first used in the sense of caution and redundancy in the 1880s, and it is believed to have originated from the practice of wearing both a belt and suspenders to ensure that one's pants do not fall down. This practice was often seen as overly cautious and unnecessary, leading to the phrase being used to describe someone who takes excessive precautions.

    Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to also encompass a sense of assurance and safety, as having both a belt and braces can provide extra security and stability. Today, the idiom is still commonly used in both its original and expanded meanings, making it a versatile phrase in the English language.