Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Safe pair of hands

A person who can be trusted to do something efficiently

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "safe pair of hands" is a person who can be trusted to do something efficiently.

The idiom is thought to have originated in the 19th century, and is thought to be based on the idea that a pair of hands that are safe are also likely to be skilled and experienced.

The idiom is now used more generally to describe someone who can be trusted to do something well, without making mistakes.

The other options are not as appropriate meanings for the idiom "safe pair of hands":

• Miss an opportunity: This is not the meaning of the idiom. Missing an opportunity is not the same as being a safe pair of hands.
• Speak rashly without thinking carefully: This is not the meaning of the idiom. Speaking rashly without thinking carefully is not the same as being a safe pair of hands.
• A secret or hidden advantage: This is not the meaning of the idiom. A secret or hidden advantage is not the same as being a safe pair of hands.