Play (it) safe phrase
To act safe; to avoid risks
To play safe, I think you should wear protective clothing
It might rain. You should play it safe and bring a umbrella with you.
You should make another backup plan to play it safe.
If you do something to be "on the safe side", it means you do it to avoid risks or undesirable situations.
The verb "play" should be conjugated with its tense.
Used to raise caution
Always remember to put safety first whenever you drive.