safety net ˈsafety net noun [countable]
FINANCE actions by a government to help companies and financial institutions with financial difficulties:
• In the event of a securities trading firm's collapse, a regulatory safety net guards against possible risks.
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safety net UK US noun [C]
► FINANCE, GOVERNMENT, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY a system or plan for helping people, companies, etc. that are having problems, especially financial problems: »
The ability to declare bankruptcy is one of the oldest safety nets that the government provides working people.
»The state set up a safety net for those who can't afford health insurance.
social/financial safety net »In the old days, when there was no adequate social safety net, parents regarded having a son as making an investment for their old age.
»a welfare/health/government safety net
Financial and business terms. 2012.