Hedge your bets
verb
Taking steps to reduce risk or loss in the future.
With only a little money in the lottery, Sarah decided to hedge her bets by also applying for some part-time jobs.
Often appears as...
- hedge one's bets
- hedging their bets
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
verb
Taking steps to reduce risk or loss in the future.
With only a little money in the lottery, Sarah decided to hedge her bets by also applying for some part-time jobs.
Often appears as...
- hedge one's bets
- hedging their bets
Usage tips
Formal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Reduction
Emphasizes lessening potential losses in any situation, not just financial.
In a volatile market, investors tend to hedge their bets by diversifying their portfolios.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is figurative; you're not actually placing bets.
He hedged his bets by studying both science and arts subjects.
Pro Tip 3/3Cautionary Tone
It suggests caution and not committing fully to one option.
Uncertain if the project will succeed, she hedged her bets by working part-time.
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Reduction
Emphasizes lessening potential losses in any situation, not just financial.
In a volatile market, investors tend to hedge their bets by diversifying their portfolios.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is figurative; you're not actually placing bets.
He hedged his bets by studying both science and arts subjects.
Pro Tip 3/3Cautionary Tone
It suggests caution and not committing fully to one option.
Uncertain if the project will succeed, she hedged her bets by working part-time.
Pro Tip 1/3Risk Reduction
Emphasizes lessening potential losses in any situation, not just financial.
In a volatile market, investors tend to hedge their bets by diversifying their portfolios.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase is figurative; you're not actually placing bets.
He hedged his bets by studying both science and arts subjects.
Pro Tip 3/3Cautionary Tone
It suggests caution and not committing fully to one option.
Uncertain if the project will succeed, she hedged her bets by working part-time.
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