safety valve
noun
plural safety valves
1
: a valve (as for a steam boiler) that allows gas or liquid under excessive pressure to escape in a controlled manner
2
: an outlet for pent-up energy or emotion
3
: something that relieves the pressure of overcrowding
Examples of safety valve in a Sentence
His hobbies act as a safety valve, relieving some of the pressure he feels from his job.
Recent Examples on the Web
And here's another bit of a safety valve for those worried about planting bulbs too early.
—
Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Nov. 2024
The safest bets are running backs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler combining for at least 90 receptions as safety valves and weapons for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
The Wayback Machine has assumed a default position as a safety valve against digital oblivion.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
Cash is a kind of safety valve in investor portfolios, perhaps serving as an emergency fund or a reserve for near-term income needs in retirement.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for safety valve 
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Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, 15 Nov. 2024
The safest bets are running backs Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler combining for at least 90 receptions as safety valves and weapons for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
—Dan Pompei, The Athletic, 26 Aug. 2024
The Wayback Machine has assumed a default position as a safety valve against digital oblivion.
—Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024
Cash is a kind of safety valve in investor portfolios, perhaps serving as an emergency fund or a reserve for near-term income needs in retirement.
—Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for safety valve
Dictionary Entries Near safety valve
Cite this Entry
“Safety valve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/safety%20valve. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
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