safety net
noun1
A large net placed horizontally beneath performing aerialists such as trapeze artists or tightrope walkers, intended to catch a performer who falls and to protect him or her from harm.
2
Broadly, Figuratively Anything, such as a governmental program, that provides security against extreme disadvantage or misfortune.
- But without ominous clouds above to warn us of what lies ahead, the powerful force of automation and the destruction of any safety net may silently push more and more of us onto the open road.2017 November 17, Arlie Russell Hochschild, “In ‘Nomadland,’ the Golden Years Are the Wander Years”, in The New York Times Book Review, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC:
- Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revealed he was in "angry mode" after the surprise home loss to Arsenal suddenly put pressure on their top-four hopes in the Premier League - although the Champions League final against Manchester City could yet prove the most glittering safety net.2021 May 15, Phil McNulty, “Chelsea 0-1 Leicester”, in BBC Sport:
1 more example
- The TSSA said that access to the furlough scheme should be reinstated for the cross-Channel operator to protect jobs, while the RMT said a financial 'safety net' was needed to prevent Eurostar "tipping over". It follows similar but unheeded calls made at the very start of the pandemic, when international travel fell by more than 95% and Eurostar was forced to scale back its operation to just one service between London and Paris each day.2022 January 12, “Network News: Unions urge government to provide financial support for Eurostar”, in RAIL, number 948, page 6:
- Derived terms
- social safety net
- Related terms
- catch fence