Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hedge one's bets

idiom

/hɛdʒ wʌnz bɛts/

Definition

To protect oneself against potential loss by minimizing risk in different areas.

Examples

Investors often hedge their bets by diversifying their portfolios.
She decided to hedge her bets by applying to multiple colleges.
In discussing the project, he hedged his bets by suggesting multiple strategies.

Meaning

The phrase ‘hedge one’s bets’ refers to the practice of reducing potential losses by diversifying investments or opinions. In general usage, it means to avoid putting all of one’s resources or trust into one option or outcome to lessen the impact of a negative result.