safety net/ˈ·· ·/ n [C] 1 a system that helps people when they are too ill, poor etc to help themselves 〔扶助贫病的〕安全保障措施: the safety net of unemployment pay and pensions 支付失业救济金和养老金的安全保障措施 2 a large net used for catching someone if they fall from a high place 〔用于接住从高处落下者的〕安全网