expression, godan verb (-ku)
play it safe; go for the safe option
Colloquial expression originally from baseball, meaning to deliberately choose a safe, low-risk course of action rather than aiming for a big success.
面接では無難な答えを置きに行くより、自分の意見を言ったほうがいい。
In an interview, it's better to state your own opinion rather than playing it safe with a bland answer.
彼はいつも安全策を置きに行くタイプだ。
He's the type who always goes for the safe option.