phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The Phrase Finder
Phrases, Sayings and Idioms Home > Discussion Forum

- We are also on

A Phrase A Week - Facebook Group & Follow aphraseaweek on Twitter

Re: Cover your bases

Posted by Bob on May 27, 2000

In Reply to: Re: Cover your bases posted by ESC on May 26, 2000

: : Does anyone have an explanation for the phrase "cover your bases"

: That's a sports thing. Some of the fans on Phrase Finder will have to explain because my knowledge of baseball is zero.

It is indeed a baseball term. Whether it has an earlier, independent origin I can't say. That being said... in every baseball situation, a defensive player is assigned to "cover" (i.e., be available to make a play by being near) a "base," one of four positions, arranged in a diamond shape, which an offensive player attempts to circumnavigate, counterclockwise. It is a fundamental error to be in the wrong place ... so, by extension, "cover your bases" means to make preparations thoroughly.